Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: A Quick and Delicious Meal in One Pot
This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a creamy, spicy pasta dish that everyone will love. Plus, it’s made entirely in your slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal without the fuss.
Why you’ll love it
This recipe is a winner for many reasons. First, it combines the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with tender chicken, making each bite a burst of deliciousness. Second, it’s incredibly easy to prepare; just toss everything in the crock pot and let it cook. It’s also a great way to sneak in some veggies, thanks to the bell pepper and onion. Lastly, it’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup for you!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 8 oz pasta (like penne or fettuccine)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Substitutions & key variations
You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some substitutions:
- Chicken: Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer a juicier and more flavorful cut.
- Pasta: If you want a whole wheat option, whole grain pasta works well too.
- Cream: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream.
- Vegetables: Add other veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for more nutrition.
Step-by-step
Step 1
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot.
Step 2
Add the diced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
Step 3
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream over the chicken and vegetables.
Step 4
Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 6
About 30 minutes before serving, cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
Step 7
Once the chicken is done cooking, shred it in the crock pot using two forks. Stir everything together to mix the flavors.
Step 8
Add the cooked pasta to the crock pot and mix until well combined.
Step 9
Serve topped with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for an extra touch of flavor.
Success tips
For best results, make sure your chicken is fully submerged in the liquid to keep it moist. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let the crock pot cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes. Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be al dente before adding it to the crock pot. Common mistakes to watch for include not adequately seasoning, which can make the dish bland.
How to serve
Serve your Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta warm, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to increase the cooking time by an hour or so.
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can prep everything the night before and store it in the fridge. Just set the crock pot to cook in the morning.
Q: Is this recipe very spicy?
A: The spice level depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. You can adjust the amount to fit your preference.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
A: Yes! Feel free to add other veggies like spinach, carrots, or peas for added nutrition and flavor.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
This recipe is a balance of protein, carbs, and fats, making it a hearty meal. And by using chicken breasts and light cream, you can keep it on the lighter side without sacrificing flavor.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is an easy, tasty dish that makes weeknight dinners a breeze. With its creamy sauce and zesty flavors, this recipe will surely become a family favorite. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort!
Links to related recipes
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
- One-Pot Cheesy Chicken and Rice
- Spicy Shrimp Alfredo
- Chicken and Spinach Lasagna
- Cajun Shrimp Tacos
Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 8 oz pasta (like penne or fettuccine)
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half or non-dairy alternative
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Adjust to taste
- Salt and pepper To taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot.
- Add the diced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream over the chicken and vegetables.
- Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
- Once the chicken is done cooking, shred it in the crock pot using two forks. Stir everything together to mix the flavors.
- Add the cooked pasta to the crock pot and mix until well combined.
- Serve topped with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for an extra touch of flavor.