Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
This Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and flavorful one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked with Cajun seasoning, garlic, onions, and diced tomatoes with green chilies, then combined with penne pasta, heavy cream, and shredded cheese for a rich, comforting dish with bold Southern-inspired flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free penne and verify Cajun seasoning)
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins & Dairy
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 to 1½ cups shredded cheese (sharp cheddar or pepper jack recommended)
- 1 cup chicken broth
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
Staples & Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Season the chicken breasts generously on all sides with Cajun seasoning. Chop the onion, garlic, and optional bell peppers while heating the crock pot.
- Layer the Crock Pot: Place the seasoned chicken at the bottom. Add onions, garlic, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and bell peppers on top. Pour in chicken broth. Do not add cream or pasta yet.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours until chicken is tender and infused with Cajun flavors.
- Add Pasta and Cream: About 30 minutes before serving, shred or dice the cooked chicken in the crock pot. Stir in the penne pasta and heavy cream. Switch to high heat and cook until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
- Finish with Cheese: Stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or extra Cajun spice as needed.
Notes
- Season generously as Cajun spices can mellow during slow cooking.
- Add pasta at the end to avoid mushy noodles.
- Use sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese for added flavor depth.
- Stir well when adding cream and pasta to ensure even cooking and sauce consistency.
- Cook on low heat for juicy chicken and fully developed flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Crock Pot, Cajun Chicken Pasta, Slow Cooker, Creamy Pasta, Easy Dinner, One-Pot Meal, Spicy Chicken Pasta
Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/crock-pot-cajun-chicken-pasta/
