There’s something magical about a slow cooker. You toss in some good stuff, walk away, and come back hours later to the scent of dinner practically giving you a bear hug. And when that dinner involves tender chicken, a rich Cajun-spiced cream sauce, and plenty of pasta? Oh yeah, we’re talking about pure comfort food heaven.
This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is exactly what your weeknight needs. It’s spicy, creamy, hearty, and has just enough kick to make things interesting. Think of it as Southern comfort in a bowl—warm, bold, and ready to impress your tastebuds without demanding much of your time.
Whether you’re feeding the whole family or just want to meal prep something easy and indulgent, this one’s got your back.
Why This Pasta Just Works
This dish is the triple threat: it’s easy, it’s cozy, and it’s packed with flavor. The slow cooker turns chicken breasts into fall-apart-tender bites while letting the spices, tomatoes, and broth mingle into a beautiful Cajun base.
And that base? It’s getting hit with cream and Parmesan later on, transforming it into the creamiest, dreamiest sauce you’ve ever ladled over penne.
It’s a one-pot wonder that pretty much cooks itself, making it perfect for busy days, lazy weekends, or anytime you just want something guaranteed to taste like a hug from your favorite aunt in Louisiana.
What You’ll Need: Flavor Builders 101
Alright, let’s talk ingredients. Each one’s pulling its weight here:
- Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless. Easy and perfect for shredding.
- Olive oil – For that optional but delicious sear.
- Cajun seasoning – The star of the show. You can use store-bought or whip up your own.
- Garlic powder & onion powder – Background flavor that always delivers.
- Smoked paprika – Adds a touch of smoky depth.
- Salt & black pepper – The basics that matter.
- Bell peppers (red and green) – Sweet crunch to balance the spice.
- Yellow onion – Aromatic, sweet, and savory.
- Garlic cloves – Fresh is best, because garlic makes everything better.
- Canned diced tomatoes – Juicy, tangy, and saucy.
- Chicken broth – Keeps things moist and flavorful.
- Heavy cream – Where the creamy magic happens.
- Parmesan cheese – Grated fresh if you can. Adds a salty, nutty richness.
- Penne pasta – Sturdy enough to hold up to the sauce.
- Fresh parsley – A pop of color and freshness at the end.
How to Make It: Set It and Forget It (Mostly)
This is one of those recipes where the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. But here’s how you make the magic happen:
1: Season and Sear (Optional, but Delicious) Rub your chicken breasts with olive oil and your Cajun seasoning mix. If you have five extra minutes, give them a quick sear in a hot pan. You’ll lock in flavor and start that gorgeous crust.
2: Load Up the Crock Pot Toss the chicken into your slow cooker. Top it with the bell peppers, onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and a sprinkle of garlic and onion powders, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a gentle stir, pop the lid on, and you’re golden.
3: Let It Cook Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours. By the end, the chicken will be fork-tender and swimming in a spicy, savory bath.
4: Shred and Creamify Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and stir it back into the pot. Now comes the good stuff: pour in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Stir it all together and watch the sauce turn velvety right before your eyes.
5: Pasta Time Boil your penne separately according to the package, then stir it right into that creamy Cajun sauce. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to soak up all the flavor. Sprinkle with parsley, and boom—dinner is served.
Want more creamy chicken recipes? Another irresistible creamy chicken pasta might just be your next favorite.
What to Serve It With: The Dream Team
This pasta is a meal in itself, but if you’re looking to round out your dinner table, here’s what works:
- Garlic bread – Because sauce this good deserves a mop.
- Green salad – Something crisp and tangy to balance the richness.
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus – Adds color and crunch.
- A cold glass of white wine – Or even sweet tea if you want to stay Southern.
Save Some for Later: Storage Tips
The good news? This recipe makes a lot. The better news? It tastes even better the next day.
- Fridge: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
- To reheat: Add a splash of broth or cream, warm on the stovetop or microwave, and stir well to bring back that creamy texture.
Need a cozy bowl of something else tonight? Try this creamy Italian-style soup next.
More Pasta You’ll Love
Looking to keep the creamy pasta train going? Check these out:
- Garlic Parmesan pasta lovers will enjoy this one too—a buttery, cheesy dish that’s quick and addictive.
- Another irresistible creamy chicken pasta that people can’t stop talking about.
Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is Southern comfort in a bowl—spicy, creamy, hearty, and ready to impress your tastebuds without demanding much of your time.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Season chicken with Cajun spices. Sear if desired.
- Place chicken, veggies, tomatoes, broth, and spices in Crock Pot.
- Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
- Shred chicken. Stir in cream and Parmesan.
- Cook pasta separately, then combine.
- Let rest 10–15 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
Store in fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of broth or cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Final toughts
This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta brings bold flavor, creamy goodness, and Southern soul to your table with practically no effort. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, a hungry partner, or just treating yourself, it checks every box.
Let me know how it goes—share your spins, swaps, and kitchen wins in the comments. And hey, maybe toss in a few extra Parmesan sprinkles while you’re at it. You deserve it.
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