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Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe


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4.5 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Spicy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta brings Louisiana’s bold flavors straight to kitchen tables with minimal effort. Creamy, zesty sauce and tender chicken create a hearty meal that satisfies hungry families and delivers authentic southern comfort in every delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken breasts

Dairy and Cream:

  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup (100 grams) grated parmesan cheese
  • 4 tablespoons (56 grams) butter

Pasta and Seasonings:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) penne pasta
  • 4 cups (960 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cajun chicken base by combining chicken breasts, heavy cream, chicken broth, butter, Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder in the Crock Pot. Seal and slow-cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, allowing the chicken to become infused with robust Cajun flavors.
  2. Verify the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F, then carefully extract and shred the meat into tender, bite-sized pieces using two forks.
  3. Thoroughly whisk the remaining sauce in the Crock Pot to ensure a smooth, consistent texture.
  4. Introduce uncooked penne pasta directly into the seasoned liquid, then gently fold the shredded chicken back into the mixture.
  5. Cover and continue cooking on high for 20-30 minutes, periodically checking pasta’s tenderness to prevent overcooking.
  6. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the dish, stirring to integrate. Allow the cheese to melt for 5 minutes, creating a creamy, luxurious coating.
  7. Serve immediately, enjoying the rich, spicy Cajun-inspired pasta straight from the Crock Pot.

Notes

  • Control the spiciness by reducing or increasing the Cajun seasoning to match your personal heat tolerance.
  • Swap regular penne pasta with gluten-free pasta options like chickpea or rice pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Stir the pasta occasionally during the final cooking stage to ensure even cooking and prevent clumping at the bottom of the Crock Pot.
  • Replace chicken with shrimp, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for a versatile meal that suits different preferences.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours (on high) or 6 hours (on low)
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 751
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 915 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 25 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 43 g
  • Cholesterol: 170 mg