Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a creamy, spicy dish that combines tender chicken, smoky Cajun seasoning, and pasta all cooked together in a slow cooker. It’s a perfect blend of flavors with a little kick, balanced by a rich and cheesy sauce that makes every bite comforting and satisfying.
I love making this recipe when I want an easy meal that feels special without much effort. The slow cooker does most of the work, and the house starts to smell amazing as the chicken and spices slowly mingle. It’s great because you can set it up in the morning and come home to a ready-to-eat dinner that tastes like you spent hours cooking it.
My favorite way to serve Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is with a simple green salad or steamed veggies on the side to add a fresh crunch. Everyone at the table seems to enjoy the creamy sauce mixed with the spicy Cajun flavors, and it’s especially nice on chilly nights when you want something warm and filling. I think you’ll find it’s one of those meals you want to have again and again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken makes shredding easy after slow cooking. You can swap in thighs for juicier meat if you like. Just keep the cooking time similar.
Cajun seasoning: This is what gives the dish its spicy kick. If you don’t have Cajun, a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne works well.
Heavy cream & chicken broth: The heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. For a lighter version, try half-and-half or whole milk but expect a thinner sauce.
Penne pasta: Penne holds the creamy sauce nicely, but you can use rigatoni, ziti, or any short pasta shape you prefer.
Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan melt well, giving creaminess and flavor. Feel free to add sharp cheddar for a stronger taste or use all Parmesan for a nuttier touch.
How Do I Prevent Pasta from Getting Mushy in the Slow Cooker?
Pasta can easily become mushy in slow cookers if cooked too long. Here’s how to avoid that:
- Cook the chicken and sauce first, then add the uncooked pasta later (step 8).
- Be sure to use the high setting for the pasta stage and check often.
- Stir the pasta occasionally to keep it from sticking.
- Keep the pasta cook time around 30-45 minutes, depending on the pasta package instructions.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it.
These steps help you get perfectly tender pasta without it turning to mush while still soaking up all the creamy Cajun flavors.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Skillet – I like it because it quickly sears the chicken and adds flavor before slow cooking.
- Crock Pot/Slow Cooker – your main tool for the easy, hands-off cooking process.
- Mixing bowl – for combining the creamy sauce ingredients easily.
- Chef’s knife & chopping board – to dice the vegetables and prepare the chicken.
- Forks – for shredding the cooked chicken easily.
- Measuring cups & spoons – to get the seasoning and liquids just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shrimp or smoked sausage for a different protein and smoky flavor.
- Add sautéed spinach or kale for extra greens and color.
- Mix in chopped tomatoes or a splash of hot sauce to enhance the spice profile.
- Use a blend of cheeses, like pepper jack or cheddar, for varied melting flavors.
Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 (8 oz) package penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: pinch of paprika for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, 4 hours on low (or 2 to 2½ hours on high) to cook the chicken and sauce, plus another 30-45 minutes to cook the pasta in the slow cooker. Total time is roughly 5 hours (or 3 if cooking faster on high).
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked. This step adds flavor and texture.
2. Season and Place Chicken in Crock Pot:
Sprinkle Cajun seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken. Place the chicken at the bottom of your crock pot.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a bowl, mix together heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic, onion, red bell pepper, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Stir well.
4. Slow Cook the Chicken with Sauce:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crock pot. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2-2½ hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
5. Shred Chicken and Add Pasta:
Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Add the uncooked penne pasta to the crock pot and stir to mix with the sauce. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and stir everything together.
6. Cook the Pasta:
Cover and cook on high for another 30-45 minutes, checking occasionally and stirring to prevent sticking, until pasta is soft and cooked through.
7. Add Remaining Cheese and Finish:
Stir in the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste the dish and add salt, pepper, or extra Cajun seasoning if you like it spicier.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Dish out the pasta into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and a pinch of paprika for color and extra flavor. Enjoy your creamy, spicy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely before starting. Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method for quicker thawing. This ensures even cooking in the crock pot.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, but the texture will be less creamy. To prevent curdling, add dairy toward the end of cooking and avoid high heat.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Cook the chicken and sauce in advance, then refrigerate separately. When ready, reheat and add the pasta to cook fresh. This helps keep the pasta from becoming mushy.
