Cajun Chicken Pasta Crockpot Recipe

Sizzling Cajun Chicken Pasta Crockpot Recipe for Lazy Sundays

Whipping up a delectable cajun chicken pasta crockpot recipe promises a mouthwatering adventure for spice enthusiasts.

Comfort meets zesty flavors in this simple slow-cooker masterpiece.

Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a robust meal that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Peppers, chicken, and pasta dance in a rich, creamy sauce that tingles taste buds.

Southern-inspired seasonings bring bold character to this effortless dinner solution.

Home cooks can quickly assemble this one-pot wonder without complicated techniques.

Savor every spoonful of this crowd-pleasing dish that turns weeknight dinners into memorable experiences.

Cajun Chicken Pasta Crock Pot Ingredients

Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: A lean protein that absorbs the rich Cajun seasonings and provides the main substance of the dish.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base that keeps the chicken moist and tender during slow cooking.
Dairy and Creaminess:
  • Cream Cheese: Adds a luxurious, creamy texture and tangy flavor to the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Enriches the sauce with a smooth, velvety consistency.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a mild, melty finish that brings all the ingredients together.
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cajun Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: These spices create a bold, zesty flavor profile that defines the Cajun-style dish.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Adds a bright, acidic element that balances the rich, creamy sauce.
  • Fresh Parsley: Offers a fresh, herbal garnish that provides a pop of color and light flavor.
Pasta:
  • Penne Pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the creamy sauce and provide a hearty base for the dish.

Easy Steps For Cajun Chicken Pasta In Crock Pot

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Base

Toss diced chicken breast into the Crock Pot. Sprinkle these ingredients over the chicken:
  • Cajun seasoning
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Mix thoroughly to coat chicken evenly with spices.

Step 2: Add Liquid Foundation

Pour chicken broth over seasoned chicken. The liquid ensures moisture and helps develop rich flavors during cooking.

Step 3: Create Creamy Layer

Place cream cheese directly on top of chicken mixture. Scatter diced tomatoes across the surface to build a tangy, smooth sauce foundation.

Step 4: Initial Cooking Phase

Cover Crock Pot and cook on low temperature for 4-6 hours or high temperature for 2-3 hours. Chicken should become tender and fully cooked.

Step 5: Introduce Pasta Components

Pour heavy cream into the mixture and stir gently. Add uncooked penne pasta, ensuring complete submersion in the developing sauce.

Step 6: Pasta Cooking Stage

Cover Crock Pot and cook on high temperature for 30-40 minutes. Stir periodically to prevent pasta from clumping together. Check pasta tenderness towards end of cooking time.

Step 7: Finish With Cheese

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese into the pasta. Stir until cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious, creamy texture.

Step 8: Plate and Garnish

Scoop pasta into serving bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for added color and subtle herb flavor. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting meal.

Tips To Get Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Just Right

  • Tame the Spice: Adjust Cajun seasoning levels to match your heat tolerance, adding more or less depending on personal preference.
  • Prevent Pasta Clumping: Stir pasta occasionally during cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking together.
  • Boost Protein Power: Swap chicken for shrimp or andouille sausage to create delicious protein variations.
  • Keep It Creamy: If sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain desired consistency.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days, reheating gently to preserve sauce texture.

Tasty Variations For Cajun Chicken Pasta

  • Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace penne pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that maintains the rich Cajun flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, using the same Cajun seasoning blend to preserve the spicy essence of the original recipe.
  • Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and replace mozzarella with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese to create a lactose-free version that's equally creamy and satisfying.
  • Spice Level Adjustment: Modify the Cajun seasoning intensity by reducing or increasing the amount, or using mild paprika for those who prefer less heat while maintaining the dish's signature flavor.

Great Pairings With Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

  • Amplify Cajun Flavors with Perfect Pairings
  • Sip Bold Red Zinfandel: Robust wine complements the spicy Cajun chicken, cutting through the creamy sauce with its fruit-forward profile and peppery undertones.
  • Serve Crisp Coleslaw: Refreshing side dish balances the pasta's richness, adding crunchy texture and cool tanginess to offset the heat of Cajun seasoning.
  • Create Garlic Bread Sidekick: Toasted, buttery bread provides delicious absorption for extra sauce, enhancing the meal's comfort food experience while adding a satisfying crunch.
  • Pair Chilled Amber Beer: Light beer with subtle malt notes helps temper the dish's spiciness, offering a smooth drinking companion that cleanses the palate between bites.

How To Store Cajun Chicken Pasta The Easy Way

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Pack the pasta in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring the cream-based sauce doesn't separate.
  • Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.
  • Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and adding a little liquid to maintain creamy consistency. This method helps restore the original texture and prevents pasta from becoming rubbery.

Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta FAQs

  • Why use a Crock Pot for this recipe?

A Crock Pot allows slow, even cooking that helps chicken become incredibly tender and lets spices deeply infuse into the meat, creating rich, complex flavor without constant monitoring.

  • Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

No, always use thawed chicken to ensure food safety and even cooking. Frozen chicken can lead to uneven cooking and potential bacterial growth.

  • How spicy will this Cajun chicken pasta be?

The spice level depends on your Cajun seasoning brand. Most commercial Cajun seasonings provide a mild to medium heat. You can control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of seasoning or choosing a mild version.

Why Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Is Packed With Flavor

Why Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Is Packed With Flavor
  • Simplify Meal Prep: Transform complicated cooking into a hands-off experience by using a Crock Pot, allowing busy home cooks to create a delicious meal with minimal active kitchen time.
  • Pack Robust Flavor Punch: Combine Cajun seasonings, cream cheese, and tomatoes to deliver an exciting taste profile that transforms ordinary chicken pasta into a restaurant-worthy dish.
  • Customize for All Tastes: Adjust spice levels by modifying Cajun seasoning, making this recipe perfect for families with different heat preferences while maintaining its core deliciousness.
  • One-Pot Comfort Meal: Eliminate multiple cooking vessels and complicated techniques, creating a hearty dinner solution that reduces cleanup and maximizes satisfaction for home cooks seeking convenience.
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Cajun Chicken Pasta Crockpot Recipe

Cajun Chicken Pasta Crockpot Recipe


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4.7 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 4–6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 2–3 hours 15 minutes (high)
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta in crockpot simmers with bold Louisiana flavors, blending spicy seasonings and tender chicken into a hearty comfort meal. Families and friends will savor this easy one-pot wonder that brings southern charm directly to dinner tables.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1 pound chicken breast, diced
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 (8 ounces) package cream cheese

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Liquids and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 12 ounces penne pasta (uncooked)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the base by combining diced chicken breast with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in the Crock Pot, ensuring even spice distribution.
  2. Pour chicken broth over the seasoned chicken, creating a moisture-rich environment for slow cooking.
  3. Layer cream cheese and diced tomatoes atop the chicken mixture, which will develop a rich, tangy sauce during cooking.
  4. Set Crock Pot to low temperature for 4-6 hours or high temperature for 2-3 hours, cooking until chicken becomes completely tender and easily shreds.
  5. After cooking, incorporate heavy cream into the chicken mixture, creating a smooth, velvety texture.
  6. Add uncooked penne pasta, submerging it completely in the liquid to ensure even cooking.
  7. Continue cooking on high temperature for 30-40 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent pasta from clumping and checking for desired tenderness.
  8. Fold in shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring until completely melted and integrated into the sauce.
  9. Plate the pasta, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch and enhanced flavor profile.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken for extra flavor and moisture, which helps prevent dryness during slow cooking.
  • Reduce Cajun seasoning if you prefer milder heat, or increase for a spicier kick that suits your taste buds.
  • Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version without compromising creaminess.
  • Add sautĂ©ed bell peppers or spinach during the last 30 minutes to boost nutritional value and introduce more vegetables into the dish.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4–6 hours (low) or 2–3 hours (high)
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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