Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Some days, you just need a meal that’s as easy as tossing ingredients into a crock pot and letting it do all the work. If that sounds amazing (and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t love that?), this Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is going to be your new best friend. It’s flavorful, hearty, and perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.


Why I Love This Recipe

Cooking for my family can be a juggling act. Between work, errands, and making sure my kids aren’t turning the living room into a jungle gym, having an easy go-to recipe like this one is a lifesaver. This dish is packed with bold Cajun flavors, creamy goodness, and just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting. Plus, it’s all made in the slow cooker—no hovering over the stove required.

I still remember the first time I made this recipe. It was one of those days where nothing was going as planned, and I needed a meal that basically cooked itself. The kids were thrilled (okay, maybe it was the creamy pasta that won them over), and I knew I had found a keeper. Now it’s a staple in our meal rotation.


Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing pasta dish:

  • 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste if you like it milder or spicier)
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 3 cups of chicken broth
  • 2 cups of heavy cream
  • 1 pound of penne pasta (or any pasta you like)
  • 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese
  • Optional toppings: chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes

Feel free to customize this dish. I’ve swapped out the bell peppers for mushrooms or even zucchini when I had extras in the fridge. It’s one of those recipes that’s super forgiving.


How to Make Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Trust me, this step is key for locking in those bold flavors.

Take a moment to give your seasoning a good mix. It’s like giving your chicken a spa day, but with spices. The aroma from the Cajun blend alone will get you excited for what’s to come.

Step 2: Load the Crock Pot

Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of your crock pot. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion on top. Pour in the chicken broth, cover, and set your slow cooker to low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.

While everything is cooking, you’ve got time to tackle other things—or just sit back with a cup of coffee. That’s the beauty of slow cooker meals!

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred it right in the pot. It’s super tender, so this part is a breeze.

Shredding the chicken is oddly satisfying. It’s like pulling apart little clouds of flavor. And since it’s already soaked up all those delicious Cajun spices, every bite is packed with goodness.

Step 4: Add the Cream and Pasta

Stir in the heavy cream and uncooked pasta. Cover and let it cook for another 20-30 minutes, or until the pasta is perfectly tender.

Keep an eye on it at this stage. You don’t want to overcook the pasta. Give it a stir every now and then to make sure everything cooks evenly.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan over the top, give it a good stir, and let it melt into the creamy sauce. This step is where the magic happens!

If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can top it off with some fresh parsley or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Presentation matters, even if it’s just for yourself.


Pro Tips for Success

  • Make it spicier: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or extra Cajun seasoning if you’re in the mood for a kick.
  • Use what you have: Don’t have penne? No problem. Rotini, rigatoni, or even spaghetti will work just as well.
  • Prep ahead: Chop your veggies the night before to make assembly even quicker.
  • Keep it creamy: If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it up.

Another trick I’ve learned? Double the recipe and freeze half for a rainy day. This pasta reheats beautifully, so you’ll have a ready-made meal whenever you need it.


Serving Suggestions

This pasta is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re feeling fancy, serve it with a side of crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad. Honestly, though, I’ve been known to grab a fork and eat it straight from the pot. No judgment zone, right?

You can also pair it with roasted veggies for a little extra nutrition. My family loves it alongside roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli. It’s the perfect balance.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly since frozen chicken takes longer to cook. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely. Swap the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. It’ll still be deliciously creamy with a slightly different flavor twist.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep everything the night before and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just pop it in the crock pot and let it do its thing.


Why This Recipe Works

This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the ultimate combination of convenience and comfort. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but flavorful enough to impress guests. The Cajun spices give it a little flair, while the creamy sauce ties everything together beautifully. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that makes your house smell amazing while it cooks—bonus points for that!

It’s also a meal that brings people together. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a potluck with friends, this dish always gets rave reviews. And honestly, it feels good to serve something that tastes like you spent all day cooking (even though the crock pot did all the work).

So, the next time life feels a little hectic (or you just want something truly delicious), give this recipe a try. It’s easy, tasty, and guaranteed to make your day just a little bit better. Enjoy!

Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning adjust to taste if you like it milder or spicier
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper sliced
  • 1 medium onion sliced
  • 3 cups of chicken broth
  • 2 cups of heavy cream
  • 1 pound of penne pasta or any pasta you like
  • ½ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese
  • Optional toppings: chopped parsley extra Parmesan, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

  • Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Trust me, this step is key for locking in those bold flavors.
  • Take a moment to give your seasoning a good mix. It’s like giving your chicken a spa day, but with spices. The aroma from the Cajun blend alone will get you excited for what’s to come.

Step 2: Load the Crock Pot

  • Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of your crock pot. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion on top. Pour in the chicken broth, cover, and set your slow cooker to low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
  • While everything is cooking, you’ve got time to tackle other things—or just sit back with a cup of coffee. That’s the beauty of slow cooker meals!

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

  • Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred it right in the pot. It’s super tender, so this part is a breeze.
  • Shredding the chicken is oddly satisfying. It’s like pulling apart little clouds of flavor. And since it’s already soaked up all those delicious Cajun spices, every bite is packed with goodness.

Step 4: Add the Cream and Pasta

  • Stir in the heavy cream and uncooked pasta. Cover and let it cook for another 20-30 minutes, or until the pasta is perfectly tender.
  • Keep an eye on it at this stage. You don’t want to overcook the pasta. Give it a stir every now and then to make sure everything cooks evenly.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese

  • Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan over the top, give it a good stir, and let it melt into the creamy sauce. This step is where the magic happens!

If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can top it off with some fresh parsley or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Presentation matters, even if it’s just for yourself.