Devour 5-Ingredient Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Name: Devour 5-Ingredient Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486598H25M53S
Total time: PT-486598H25M53S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color); 1 small onion, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices; 1 cup chicken broth; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 8 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice); Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

by Jannet Lisa

5 de July de 2025

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Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is my go-to for busy weeknights. I remember one evening, stuck in traffic after a long day, dreaming of a comforting, flavorful meal. That’s when I perfected this recipe – tender chicken, peppers, and a creamy sauce all cooked in the slow cooker. My signature touch? A generous sprinkle of smoked paprika for that extra depth. If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to enjoy cheesy garlic chicken wraps for lunch or dinner, this is it! Let’s get cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

That rich and creamy Cajun flavor? It’s seriously addictive! Everyone I’ve ever made this for raves about it.
Minimal prep time is a HUGE win. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do its thing. Seriously, it’s almost effortless.
Perfect for those crazy busy weeknights when you just need a hands-off meal. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
Want more spice? Go for it! The spice level is totally customizable – add more or less Cajun seasoning ’til your heart’s content.
Budget-friendly ingredients that are super easy to find at any grocery store. I always appreciate a recipe that doesn’t break the bank.
Makes a hearty and satisfying family dinner that the whole crew will actually enjoy. No more picky eater battles!
So easy to adapt with your favorite veggies. Bell peppers are my go-to, but mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach work great too.
And the best part? It’s fantastic for meal prepping – leftovers taste even BETTER the next day!

Ingredients for Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: This is your protein powerhouse! I usually grab the organic kind when it’s on sale.
2 tablespoons olive oil: For browning the chicken. Trust me, that little sear adds a TON of flavor.
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: This is where the magic happens! I like to use a blend that’s not too salty.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because everything’s better with garlic, right?
1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle depth that you’ll love.
½ teaspoon smoked paprika: My secret weapon! It gives the dish a fantastic smoky undertone. You can use regular paprika if you don’t have smoked on hand.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors. Don’t skip it!
¼ teaspoon black pepper: A little kick to keep things interesting.
1 bell pepper, sliced (any color): Adds a bit of sweetness and a pop of color. I usually go for red or orange, but green works too.
1 small onion, thinly sliced: This melts down into the sauce and adds a wonderful base flavor.
3 cloves garlic, minced: I’m a garlic fiend, so I sometimes add even more!
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices: These add acidity and moisture. Don’t drain them!
1 cup chicken broth: Keeps everything nice and saucy.
½ cup heavy cream: For that luxurious, creamy texture. If you’re watching calories, half-and-half works too!
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, cheesy goodness.
8 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice): Penne is my go-to, but rotini or even bow ties would be delish!
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish: Adds a pop of freshness and makes the dish look extra fancy.

How to Make Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Alright, let’s get started! Grab a bowl and drizzle those chicken breasts with olive oil. Now, sprinkle on the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Get in there and rub those spices all over the chicken – you want ’em nicely coated. Trust me, you can already smell the magic happening!
Step 2: Next, lightly brown the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, about 2-3 minutes per side. This isn’t about fully cooking the chicken; we just want to give it a nice sear. It’ll add a beautiful color and lock in those delicious flavors.
Step 3: Place the browned chicken in your trusty crock pot.
Step 4: Add the sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic right on top of the chicken. Don’t be shy – pile ’em on!
Step 5: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices – don’t drain ’em!) and the chicken broth.
Step 6: Cover that crock pot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You’ll know the chicken is done when it’s super tender and easily shreds with a fork. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing by now!
Step 7: Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. It should practically fall apart! Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot.
Step 8: Now for the good stuff! Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until everything is melted and the sauce is gloriously creamy and smooth. This is where the *creamy* Cajun chicken pasta really comes to life!
Step 9: While the chicken’s hanging out in its creamy bath, cook your pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Make sure to drain the pasta well – nobody likes a watery sauce!
Step 10: Add the drained pasta to the crock pot with the chicken and sauce. Give it a good stir to make sure every strand is coated in that Cajun goodness.
Step 11: Let everything heat together on low for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the pasta to really soak up that creamy Cajun sauce and become even more flavorful.
Step 12: Serve your amazing crock pot creamy Cajun chicken pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Take a big bite and enjoy that rich, creamy texture and flavorful aroma! This homemade creamy chicken dessert is one of my all-time favorites.

Pro Tips for the Best Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Whatever you do, don’t overcook the pasta! Al dente is the name of the game. Mushy pasta in a crock pot is a sad situation, trust me.
Browning the chicken first? Totally worth it for that extra layer of flavor, but hey, if you’re super short on time, you can skip it. I won’t tell!
Cajun seasoning is potent stuff! Start with a little less than the recipe calls for and then add more to taste. You can always add more spice, but you can’t take it away!

What’s the secret to perfect Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?

Okay, listen up, because this is important: Don’t add the cream until the very end! I learned this the hard way. Adding it too early can cause it to curdle during the long cooking process, and nobody wants a grainy sauce. Adding it at the end ensures a smooth, velvety, dreamy sauce. You’ll thank me later.

Can I make Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is one of the reasons I love this recipe so much. You can totally prep the ingredients the night before. Just toss the chicken with the spices, slice up those veggies, and store everything separately in the refrigerator. Then, in the morning, just dump it all in the crock pot and let it do its magic. Cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve, and you’ve got a delicious meal with minimal effort.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?

The biggest mistake I see people make is adding too much liquid. The diced tomatoes and chicken broth already provide plenty of moisture, so be careful not to overdo it. If you find that your sauce is a little too thin, you can easily thicken it up! Just mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry, and then stir that into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It’ll thicken right up, no problem!

Best Ways to Serve Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Alright, so you’ve got this amazing Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, now how do you serve it up right? First things first, a sprinkle of fresh parsley is a MUST – it adds a little pop of color and a burst of freshness that really brightens up the dish. I love serving this in big bowls, perfect for cozying up on the couch. For sides, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a winner. Or, if you’re feeling a little extra, some warm garlic bread for soaking up all that creamy, Cajun-y sauce? Yes, please! This homemade creamy chicken dessert is seriously perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, but it’s also fancy enough to bring to a potluck. Trust me, it’ll be a hit!

Nutrition Facts for Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Okay, let’s talk numbers! Here’s what you’re looking at, per serving (and remember, this is just an estimate, okay?):

Calories: 550
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 700mg
Cholesterol: 150mg

Keep in mind that these values are just estimates, and they can totally change depending on the exact ingredients you use and how big your servings are. But hey, at least you have a general idea!

How to Store and Reheat Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Alright, so you’ve got leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to keep that creamy Cajun chicken pasta tasting its best. First, let it cool down a bit, then scoop it into an airtight container. In the fridge, it’ll stay happy for up to 3 days. Want to keep it longer? No problem! Just pop it in a freezer-safe container, and it’ll be good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to dig in again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For reheating, I usually nuke individual portions in the microwave, but if you want to be fancy, warm it up in a skillet over medium heat. Just add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it creamy and prevent the pasta from drying out. Whatever you do, don’t overdo it – nobody likes mushy pasta!

Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Can I use different types of pasta for this Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?
- Yes, you absolutely can! Penne is my personal fave, but honestly, any pasta shape will work. Rotini, farfalle (bow ties), even macaroni if you’re feeling nostalgic – go wild!
- Worried about the cooking time changing? Don’t be! The magic happens with the chicken in the slow cooker. The pasta is cooked separately, so just follow the package directions and toss it in at the end. Easy peasy!
- And what about gluten-free pasta? You betcha! Just make sure you keep a close eye on it while it’s cooking. Gluten-free pasta can be a little finicky and tends to get mushy if you overcook it.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?
- Okay, so maybe you’re not feeling the heavy cream, or maybe you just don’t have any on hand. No stress! Half-and-half is a great lighter option.
- Now, will the flavor change? A little, yeah. Half-and-half won’t give you quite the same richness as heavy cream, but it’ll still be delicious. If you’re feeling adventurous, coconut milk is another option! It adds a subtle sweetness that’s surprisingly good with the Cajun spices.
- And what about cream cheese? Hmmm, I haven’t tried that myself, but I bet it could work! Just add it in small chunks and stir it in really well so it melts evenly. You might need to add a splash of milk to thin out the sauce a bit. Let me know if you try it!
How can I make this Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta spicier?
- Okay, spice lover, this one’s for you! The easiest way to kick things up a notch is to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce. Go slow, though – you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
- You can also use a spicier Cajun seasoning blend. Just be mindful of the sodium content, as some blends can be pretty salty.
- And if you’re feeling really bold, dice up a jalapeño (or two!) and toss it in with the bell peppers and onions. That’ll definitely bring the heat!

Variations of Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta You Can Try

Okay, so you’ve mastered the original Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, and now you’re looking to mix things up a bit? I got you! Here are a few fun and easy variations to try. I always love experimenting in the kitchen, and these twists on the classic are some of my favorites!

Vegan Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta: Ditch the chicken and toss in some plant-based chicken alternatives or even chickpeas for a protein boost. Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk (it adds a lovely sweetness!), and sprinkle in some nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. You won’t even miss the dairy!
Gluten-Free Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta: Got a gluten sensitivity? No problem! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. And, of course, double-check that all your other ingredients are gluten-free too. This creamy Cajun pasta is seriously delicious, no matter what kind of pasta you use!
Baked Cajun Chicken Pasta: Okay, so maybe you’re not feeling the crock pot today. No worries! Bake the chicken and veggies in the oven until they’re cooked through. Then, mix them with the cooked pasta and the creamy sauce, and bake it all together for another 15 minutes. It’s like a creamy chicken casserole with a Cajun kick!
Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta: Swap out the chicken for some juicy shrimp for a totally different vibe! Just add the shrimp during the last 30 minutes of cooking, so they don’t get overcooked and rubbery. This version is seriously addictive!

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