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Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Easy & Flavorful Dinner Recipe

Easy & Flavorful Dinner Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 26 reviews

This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is an easy and flavorful dinner option that combines tender Cajun-seasoned chicken with creamy cheese sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. Slow-cooked to infuse bold spices and vibrant bell peppers, this dish is comforting yet packed with a spicy kick—ideal for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/2 yellow onion, sliced

Liquids and Dairy

  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Garnishes

  • 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish
  • Crushed red pepper flakes, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts thoroughly with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. For enhanced flavor, you can marinate the chicken for 15–20 minutes before cooking.
  2. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer the sliced red and green bell peppers and half a sliced yellow onion on top. Pour in 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth.
  3. Cook Chicken and Vegetables: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6–7 hours, or set to high and cook for 3–4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
  4. Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker to mix with the vegetables and broth.
  5. Add Cream Cheese and Parmesan: Stir in the cubed cream cheese and shredded Parmesan until both are melted and create a creamy sauce. Continue cooking on low for an additional 10–15 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
  6. Prepare the Pasta: While the sauce finishes cooking, prepare the pasta in a separate pot according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
  7. Combine Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the slow cooker and stir well to combine with the creamy Cajun chicken mixture.
  8. Serve and Garnish: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste for an extra spice kick.

Notes

  • For a milder version, reduce or omit the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
  • To make it richer, add a splash of heavy cream when stirring in the cheeses.
  • Vegetables can be swapped or added, such as mushrooms or zucchini, for variation.

Nutrition

Keywords: Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta, Slow Cooker Cajun Pasta, Creamy Cajun Chicken, Easy Cajun Dinner, One-Pot Cajun Pasta

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/easy-and-flavorful-dinner-recipe-2/