Slow Cooker Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

If you’re looking for a delicious one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, look no further than this Slow Cooker Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. This recipe combines tender chicken, rich creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all infused with the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning. Ideal for busy weekdays or a comforting weekend dinner, this dish has everything you need to satisfy your cravings. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and let it do the work while you go about your day. In this article, we’ll dive into why you’ll love this recipe, what you’ll need, and how to make it step-by-step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is not just another pasta dish; it’s a delightful blend of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:

• Effortless Preparation: Simply add all ingredients to your slow cooker and let it work its magic. No need to stand over the stove!
• Flavor Explosion: The Cajun seasoning adds a delightful kick, making every bite exciting. If you’re a fan of spicy food, this dish is a must-try!
• Comfort Food Vibes: Creamy pasta is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights in or family gatherings.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spiciness or add your favorite vegetables to make it your own.
• Leftovers Galore: This dish is great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

If you’re still on the fence about trying this Slow Cooker Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, here are a few compelling reasons to give it a shot:

• Family-Friendly: With flavors that appeal to both adults and kids alike, this dish is sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from the chicken and nutrients from the veggies, you won’t just be indulging; you’ll be nourishing your body too.
• Quick Cleanup: Since everything cooks in one pot, you’ll have minimal dishes to wash afterward, making it a win for busy weeknights.
• Budget-Friendly: Chicken breasts are often on sale, making this a cost-effective meal option.
• Versatile: This recipe can be adapted to various dietary needs, including gluten-free pasta or dairy alternatives.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Before you dive into the cooking process, let’s gather everything you’ll need for your Slow Cooker Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces penne pasta (uncooked)
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Recommended Utensils

• Slow Cooker
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cup
• Chopping board
• Knife
• Large spoon for stirring
• Two forks for shredding chicken

Having the right tools on hand will make the cooking process smoother, ensuring that your Slow Cooker Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly every time!

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have all your ingredients and utensils ready, let’s walk through the steps to make this Slow Cooker Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Evenly sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt over the chicken. This will infuse the chicken with a burst of flavor.
2. Add the Base Ingredients: Pour in the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the diced tomatoes, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, and minced garlic to create a rich and hearty sauce.
3. Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know the chicken is ready when it’s cooked through and tender enough to shred easily.
4. Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
5. Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked penne pasta to the slow cooker, ensuring it is submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
6. Finish the Dish: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. This will elevate the dish to the next level!
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors of the dish. Enjoy your creamy Cajun chicken pasta!

**Pro Tip:** To make this dish even creamier, consider adding a splash more of heavy cream or more cheese, adjusting to your personal preference. Additionally, if you prefer a bit more heat, you can add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce!

FAQs

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a surefire way to impress your family and friends with minimal effort. With its rich, creamy sauce and delightful Cajun spices, it’s a dish you’ll want to make time and time again. Don’t forget to leave a comment below sharing your experience or any tweaks you made to the recipe. If you enjoyed this recipe, consider sharing it with friends or on social media! For more delicious ideas, check out this Spicy Cajun Chicken Bites with Creamy Ranch Dip. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a delicious and comforting dish made in a slow cooker, featuring tender chicken, flavorful spices, and rich sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 minutes mins

Total Time 7 hours hrs

Course Main Course

Cuisine Cajun

Servings 6 servings

Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) Cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup Chicken broth
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 1 cup Diced tomatoes canned or fresh
• 1 Medium onion, chopped
• 1 Bell pepper, chopped any color
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 8 ounces Penne pasta, uncooked
• 1 cup Shredded Parmesan cheese
• to taste Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt evenly over the chicken.
• Pour in the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir to combine all the ingredients. Add the diced tomatoes, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, and minced garlic.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
• Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
• Add the uncooked penne pasta to the slow cooker. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
• Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy Cajun chicken pasta!

Notes

For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half and use low-fat cream of chicken soup.

Keyword chicken, pasta, slow cooker