This Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful dish that cooks itself! With tender chicken, spicy Cajun seasonings, and creamy pasta, it’s perfect for busy days.
You might want to keep an eye on the smell while it cooks—I guarantee you’ll have a hard time waiting! 😋 I love how easy it is to toss everything in the pot and let it do the work.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless are best for this dish, as they tend to stay tender while cooking. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a bit more flavor and juiciness.
Cajun Seasoning: This is key to the dish’s flavor. If you don’t have it, make your own mix with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and thyme. If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the cayenne or skip it entirely.
Pasta: I like using penne because the shape captures the sauce well. You could swap it for fusilli, rotini, or even bowtie pasta. Just make sure the pasta is uncooked when you add it to the crock pot!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk can work, but the sauce may not be as rich. You might also use a non-dairy cream or coconut milk for a different twist.
How Do I Ensure My Pasta Turns Out Perfectly in the Crock Pot?
Cooking pasta in a slow cooker can be tricky, but here’s my tip for success: After shredding the chicken, stir in the uncooked pasta with the cream and the chicken, then cover and cook on high.
- Check the consistency after 30 minutes; if the pasta absorbs too much liquid, add a splash more broth or cream.
- Stir occasionally for even cooking. Keep an eye on it to get the perfect al dente texture.
Your pasta will soak up all that delicious Cajun flavor, so don’t rush this step! Enjoy a comforting meal with minimal effort. 😊
Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 (8 oz) package penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prep, with a cooking time of 4-5 hours on low, or 2-3 hours on high in the crock pot. Plus, an additional 30-40 minutes for the pasta to cook once everything is combined. So, in total, you’re looking at around 5 hours of hands-off cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Seasoning:
In a small bowl, mix together the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. This mixture will give your chicken a flavorful kick!
2. Season the Chicken:
Take the seasoning mix and rub it all over the chicken breasts. Make sure each piece is well-coated for the best flavor!
3. Set Up the Crock Pot:
Place the seasoned chicken into the crock pot. Next, add in the drained diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it using two forks. It should pull apart easily!
6. Return Chicken to the Pot:
Put the shredded chicken back into the crock pot. This way, all those delicious juices seep back into the chicken.
7. Add Pasta and Cream:
Now, add the uncooked penne pasta, heavy cream, and olive oil (or butter). Stir everything together until combined. Yum!
8. Cook the Pasta:
Cover the crock pot again and cook on high for about 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.
9. Melt the Cheese:
Once the pasta is cooked al dente, stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Mix until melted and creamy—your kitchen will smell amazing!
10. Taste & Adjust:
Now, take a moment to taste your dish. If it needs more flavor, season with extra salt and pepper as desired.
11. Garnish & Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle some chopped parsley or green onions on top for a fresh touch. Your creamy, spicy Cajun chicken pasta is ready to enjoy!
Serve it up and dig in—I hope you love this easy dish as much as I do! 🍽️
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can, but it’s best to thaw the chicken beforehand for even cooking. To thaw, place the chicken in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method: seal it in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed.
What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No problem! You can make your own by combining equal parts paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and adding some cayenne pepper for heat. Adjust the amounts according to your taste!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if it seems dry.
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is great for this dish, you can substitute it with rotini, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta shape you choose.
