Description
This Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender chicken, Cajun spices, bell peppers, and penne pasta all slow-cooked to perfection. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it delivers a delightful blend of spicy and creamy textures with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 oz penne pasta
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated to infuse the chicken with spicy flavors.
- Assemble in Crock Pot: Transfer the seasoned chicken to the slow cooker, forming the base of your dish.
- Add Ingredients: Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Then add diced tomatoes, sliced red and green bell peppers, and minced garlic to create a rich and vibrant sauce.
- Mix Well: Stir the ingredients inside the crock pot thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Add Pasta: About 15 minutes before the cooking time is up, add the penne pasta directly to the crock pot, distributing it evenly throughout the sauce.
- Submerge the Pasta: Stir gently to make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the sauce to ensure even cooking.
- Continue Cooking: Cover and cook on high for another 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta reaches al dente texture.
- Season and Taste: Check seasoning and add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the creamy Cajun chicken pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to increase or reduce the spiciness according to your preference.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the cooking liquid slightly before adding the pasta.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be less creamy.
- Make sure to drain canned diced tomatoes well to avoid excess liquid in the sauce.
- Feel free to add other veggies like mushrooms or spinach for additional nutrition and flavor.
