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:Dairy and Creaminess:Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:Pasta: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: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.
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Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta FAQs
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.
No, always use thawed chicken to ensure food safety and even cooking. Frozen chicken can lead to uneven cooking and potential bacterial growth.
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
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Cajun Chicken Pasta Crockpot Recipe
- 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
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
- 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.
- Pour chicken broth over the seasoned chicken, creating a moisture-rich environment for slow cooking.
- Layer cream cheese and diced tomatoes atop the chicken mixture, which will develop a rich, tangy sauce during cooking.
- 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.
- After cooking, incorporate heavy cream into the chicken mixture, creating a smooth, velvety texture.
- Add uncooked penne pasta, submerging it completely in the liquid to ensure even cooking.
- Continue cooking on high temperature for 30-40 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent pasta from clumping and checking for desired tenderness.
- Fold in shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring until completely melted and integrated into the sauce.
- 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 sautéed 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
Contributing Writer
Expertise
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.