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
- 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