Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Cajun cuisine right to your dinner table. This comforting meal combines tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and creamy sauce, all simmered in a slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
This delicious recipe has quickly become a favorite in many households, and for good reason. First, the ease of using a crock pot means you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to develop over several hours without requiring your constant attention. Additionally, the creamy, spicy sauce pairs perfectly with the pasta, creating a comforting dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike. The vibrant colors from the vegetables add visual appeal, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. You’ll love how the marriage of spices, rich cream, and chicken creates a dish that’s hearty yet simple enough to whip up any day of the week.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How to Make Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Making this creamy Cajun chicken pasta is straightforward and requires very little active cooking time. You’ll start by placing the chicken breasts into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken, ensuring it is well-coated. Next, sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the chicken. Rub the spices into the meat, ensuring a uniform coating for maximum flavor.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly brown the chicken for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This step, though optional, helps to seal in the juices and flavors, giving your dish an added depth. Once browned, transfer the chicken to the bottom of your slow cooker. On top of the chicken, add your sliced bell pepper, thinly sliced onion, and minced garlic, creating a colorful, aromatic layer.
Next, pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices and the chicken broth, mixing gently to combine. Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. During this time, the chicken will become tender and infused with the Cajun flavors. Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the crock pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, returning it to the pot.
Now is the time to create that creamy sauce. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese is fully melted, and the sauce is creamy and luscious. While this mixture heats, prepare your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and add it directly to the crock pot, stirring until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce and chicken mixture. Allow everything to heat through together on low for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, ensuring that your dish is ready to serve.
How to Serve Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Serving your Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta can be just as exciting as making it! This dish goes wonderfully on its own, but you can elevate your meal by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley, which adds a pop of color and freshness. For an extra touch, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Some people also enjoy adding an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for additional flavor. Don’t forget about your beverage options; a refreshing iced tea or lemonade complements the spice of the Cajun seasoning beautifully, rounding out your meal to perfection.
Expert Tips for Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
To get the best out of your Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, here are some expert tips. First, customize the heat level. If you enjoy a bit more spice, feel free to add more Cajun seasoning or include some chopped jalapeños for an added kick. If you’re feeding young children or prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning used.
Second, don’t skip on browning the chicken before placing it in the crock pot. This step is crucial in enhancing the flavor profile of your dish. Also, ensure your vegetables are cut into uniform sizes to promote even cooking. If you’re looking to pack in more vegetables, consider adding zucchini or mushrooms; they will complement the dish perfectly. For those who love a bit of zest, a squeeze of lemon juice over the finished dish can brighten the flavors significantly.
Finally, remember that crock pot cooking times can vary based on the model and the amount of food in the pot. Always check your chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked before serving.
How to Store Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Storing your Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is easy, making meal prep and leftovers a breeze. Allow your dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if it has thickened up too much during storage.
If you want to keep it for a longer period, you can freeze portions of the pasta. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags. The dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as described.
Variations of Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
One of the best features of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it according to your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Protein Swap: Instead of chicken, feel free to use shrimp or sausage. If using shrimp, remember to add it during the last hour of cooking to prevent overcooking. For sausage, brown it first and add it in with the chicken.
- Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Ensure that the cheese is also replaced with a dairy-free option, allowing everyone to enjoy this creamy delight.
- Pasta Choice: While penne pasta is a popular choice, you can switch it up by using rotini, fettuccine, or gluten-free pasta depending on your preferences. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Vegetable Medley: Add extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or carrots to boost the nutrition. These can be added during the last hour of cooking to maintain their texture and nutrients.
FAQ
What is Cajun seasoning made of?
Cajun seasoning typically contains spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. It adds a zesty and spicy kick to dishes, making it perfect for recipes like Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta.
Can I cook this recipe without browning the chicken first?
Yes, you can skip browning the chicken, though it may lack a bit of flavor depth. Browning helps create a richer taste, but the crock pot will still produce a delicious meal without this step.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
While it’s generally recommended to use thawed chicken for even cooking, you can use frozen chicken breasts in a pinch. Just increase the cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted based on the amount of Cajun seasoning you use. If you prefer less spice, reduce the seasoning, or opt for a mild version if available.
How long do leftovers last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, this dish lasts in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months for longer storage.
This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. You’ll appreciate the bold flavors and the fact that it’s a real crowd-pleaser at the dinner table. Enjoy your cooking!
Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 each bell pepper, sliced (any color)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
- to taste none fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the chicken breasts in a large mixing bowl and drizzle olive oil over them, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the chicken, then rub the spices into the meat.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly brown the chicken for about 2-3 minutes on each side, then transfer to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add sliced bell pepper, thinly sliced onion, and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
Cooking
- Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices and chicken broth, mixing gently.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
Sauce & Pasta
- Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Prepare pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and add to the crock pot.
- Stir until the pasta is well coated, then heat through on low for an additional 15-20 minutes.
Serving
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
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