Description
This creamy Cajun chicken pasta brings together tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and a rich, savory sauce for easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub seasonings into chicken.
- Lightly brown chicken in a skillet over medium heat, 2-3 minutes per side.
- Place chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
- Pour in diced tomatoes with juices and chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until chicken is cooked.
- Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return to crock pot.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and add to crock pot.
- Allow to heat together for 15-20 minutes on low setting.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Notes
- Add cayenne pepper for a spicier version.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Prep the night before and cook during the day.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 4 hrs
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Crock Pot, Cajun, Chicken, Pasta, Creamy, Slow Cooker