This Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a warm and zesty dish that brings comfort to your table. With chicken, pasta, and a spicy Cajun sauce, it’s sure to please everyone!
Cooking it in the crock pot means less fuss and more time to relax. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing while it simmers away! I love serving it with some crusty bread. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work well too! For a quicker option, use rotisserie chicken—just toss it in after cooking.
Cajun seasoning: The spice that gives this dish its kick! Feel free to make your own using paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne, or adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Pasta: Penne or rotini are great choices because they hold the sauce well. You can swap for other shapes like fusilli or even use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Heavy cream: This makes the sauce creamy. For a lighter option, use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Just know it will alter the flavor slightly!
How Do You Ensure the Chicken Stays Moist?
The secret to juicy chicken lies in proper cooking time and technique. Using the crock pot is excellent since it cooks slowly, keeping moisture locked in. Here’s how to get it right:
- Season the chicken well, as this enhances flavor while cooking.
- Keep an eye on cooking times—overcooking can lead to dryness. Avoid opening the lid too often as it lets steam escape.
- Shred the chicken after cooking, as it helps absorb more liquid from the sauce, keeping it moist.
With these tips, you’ll have deliciously tender chicken every time! Enjoy making your Cajun chicken pasta!
Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (red or green)
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1/2 cup diced tomatoes or tomato sauce for extra richness
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high in the crock pot. After cooking, you’ll need another 15 minutes to finish everything up with the pasta and cheese. Overall, it’s about 4 hours and 30 minutes to 6 hours and 15 minutes from start to finish, with most of that time just waiting for the crock pot to do its magic!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by lightly seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning on both sides. This adds great flavor to the chicken.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
In your crock pot, place the sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic at the bottom. This creates a lovely base for the chicken and adds flavor to the dish.
3. Layer the Chicken:
Next, place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the sliced vegetables in the crock pot.
4. Add the Broth:
Pour the chicken broth over all the ingredients in the pot. This will keep everything moist while cooking.
5. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You want the chicken to be fully cooked and tender.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the crock pot and shred it using two forks. This makes it easy to mix back into the dish.
7. Mix in the Cream:
With the liquid left in the crock pot, stir in the heavy cream (add the optional diced tomatoes or tomato sauce here if you like). This creates a creamy sauce!
8. Add Back the Chicken:
Return the shredded chicken back into the crock pot, mixing it gently with the cream sauce.
9. Cook the Pasta:
Cook your pasta separately according to package instructions until al dente, then drain well. This keeps the pasta from getting too soft while the chicken cooks.
10. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked pasta and shredded cheese to the crock pot. Stir gently until the cheese melts and all ingredients are well combined.
11. Taste and Adjust:
Take a moment to taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper if needed. Make it as spicy as you like!
12. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a lovely touch of color and flavor. Enjoy your delicious creamy, spicy Cajun chicken pasta!
This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week. Enjoy every creamy and spicy bite!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just ensure it’s cooked longer—about 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high—to ensure it thoroughly cooks and becomes tender. No need to thaw it in advance; simply add it directly to the crock pot.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and veggies in advance and add the broth, then refrigerate them in the crock pot for up to a day. Just take it out and start cooking as directed when you’re ready to eat.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if it seems too thick.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half works well, or you can use coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. Just be aware that the flavor may slightly change with these substitutions, but they will still be delicious!
