Crockpot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
This Crockpot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delicious and effortless dinner loaded with tender chicken, bell peppers, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly seasoned Cajun spices. Set it and forget it, then come back to a hearty, spicy pasta dish that’s perfect for family meals or casual gatherings.
Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours (on low)
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
For the Crockpot:
1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
Added Later:
8 oz (225g) penne or rotini pasta
1 cup heavy cream (or half & half for lighter)
4 oz (115g) cream cheese, cubed
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Garnish:
Fresh chopped parsley
Extra Parmesan
Instructions:
1. Prep and Season Chicken:
Rub chicken with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Layer in Crockpot:
Add sliced peppers, onion, and garlic to bottom of the crockpot.
Place seasoned chicken on top.
Pour chicken broth over everything.
3. Slow Cook:
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2.5–3 hours, until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
4. Shred Chicken:
Remove chicken, shred it with two forks, then return it to the crockpot.
5. Make it Creamy:
Add cream cheese, Parmesan, and heavy cream. Stir until melted and creamy.
Optional: Add red pepper flakes for extra spice.
6. Cook Pasta Separately:
While the cheese is melting, cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain.
7. Combine:
Add cooked pasta to the crockpot and stir to coat everything in the creamy Cajun sauce.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Top with chopped parsley and more Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.
Notes & Tips:
Homemade Cajun seasoning: Mix 1 tsp each of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, and black pepper.
Creamier version? Add a bit more cream or shredded mozzarella.
Lighter version: Use half & half instead of cream and low-fat cream cheese.
Don’t add pasta to slow cooker raw — it will overcook and get mushy.
You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and reduce the cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make it spicier?
A: Yes! Add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne/red chili flakes.
Q: Can I use a different pasta?
A: Absolutely—fettuccine, linguine, or bow-tie work well.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Best eaten fresh, but you can freeze it. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Swap cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cream cheese and Parmesan alternatives.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 560
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 710mg