This Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delicious one-pot meal that’s super simple to make. Just toss in chicken, pasta, and tasty spices for a hearty dish!
I love that I can set this up in the morning and let the slow cooker do all the work. The creamy sauce is perfect for coating the pasta and making every bite amazing! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal since they stay tender in the slow cooker. If you want, you can substitute with thighs for a juicier option or even use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep.
Cajun seasoning: This spice blend gives the dish a warm kick. You can make your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs, or use a store-bought blend. Adjust the amount based on how spicy you like your food!
Pasta: Penne works great for this recipe, but feel free to switch it up! Other pasta like fusilli or farfalle will also work. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s perfectly al dente.
Heavy cream: Heavy cream adds richness, but you can swap in half-and-half or even coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version. You might want to add a bit more seasoning if you go dairy-free.
How Do You Get the Chicken Just Right in a Slow Cooker?
The key to perfectly cooked chicken in your crock pot is to ensure it doesn’t overcook. Here’s how:
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F (75°C).
- If you’re cooking on high, aim for around 3-4 hours; on low, about 5-6 hours—timing can vary slightly depending on your slow cooker.
- Shred the chicken when it’s still warm to let all those wonderful juices combine back in.
By keeping an eye on the temperature, you can avoid dry chicken and achieve that tender, juicy bite everyone loves!
Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or pepper jack for extra spice)
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prep. You’ll need a cooking time of 5-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crock pot. Plus, an additional 30-40 minutes for the pasta once the chicken is shredded. So, it’ll all come together with minimal fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crock pot. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper all over the chicken. This is where you build lots of flavors!
2. Add the Liquid and Veggies:
Next, pour the drained can of diced tomatoes and the chicken broth over the chicken. This will keep everything nice and moist while it cooks. If you’re using bell peppers, toss them in as well!
3. Slow Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be thoroughly cooked and tender enough to shred easily with a couple of forks when done.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the time is up, take the chicken out with tongs and shred it using two forks. It should fall apart easily. Return the shredded chicken back into the crock pot so it can soak up all the delicious broth.
5. Stir in the Pasta and Cream:
Now, add the uncooked penne pasta, heavy cream, and cheese. Ensure the pasta is well covered in the liquid so it can cook evenly. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
6. Cook the Pasta:
Cover the crock pot again and set it to high for an additional 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid the pasta sticking to the bottom. After this time, check that the pasta is cooked al dente and perfect!
7. Final Touches:
Once everything is ready, taste your dish to see if it needs any extra salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning. It’s a great chance to adjust the flavors to your liking!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve this creamy, flavorful Cajun chicken pasta hot, and enjoy a satisfying meal!
And that’s it! You’ve just made a delicious meal with minimal effort. Enjoy every bite! 🍽️
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time. Cook on low for about 7-8 hours or on high for about 4-5 hours. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving.
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
To lighten it up, you can use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts, swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or low-fat milk, and add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost the nutritional content!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the point of adding pasta and cream, then refrigerate it for up to a day. When ready to cook, just add the liquid and pasta, then proceed with the instructions.
What is the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
