This Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a tasty dish that’s both creamy and spicy. With chicken, pasta, and a zesty sauce, it’s a perfect meal for busy days!
What’s great is that you just throw everything in the crock pot and let it do the work. I love coming home to a warm, delicious meal. Plus, it’s a hit with the whole family! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe because they cook evenly. If you want a different option, you can use thighs for extra juiciness or shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
Cajun Seasoning: This adds a nice kick to your pasta. If you can’t find it, make your own using a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper for a similar effect.
Pasta: Penne and rotini are excellent choices because they hold onto the sauce well. You could swap in any pasta shape you like, just remember cooking times may vary, especially if you use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
Cream: Heavy cream creates a rich sauce, but you can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a lighter version or a dairy-free alternative.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Pasta in the Crock Pot?
The trick to getting your pasta just right is cooking it separately. Since pasta can become mushy in the slow cooker, cooking it al dente on the stovetop is better. Here’s how to do it:
- Boil water in a pot and add salt.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until it’s slightly firm.
- Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, then add it to your crock pot right before serving.
This method ensures your pasta remains the perfect texture while soaking up all the delicious flavors from the sauce!
Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta requires about 10 minutes for preparation and 4-5 hours of cooking on low (or 2-3 hours on high) in the crock pot. After everything is combined, you’ll want another 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld, bringing your total time to around 5-6 hours for a wonderful, creamy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
Start by rubbing the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning on both sides. This will give them a flavorful kick! If you like, you can customize the seasoning to your taste.
2. Searing the Chicken (Optional):
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are lightly browned. This step adds extra flavor, but you can skip it if you prefer.
3. Adding Ingredients to the Crock Pot:
Place the seared or raw chicken breasts into your crock pot. Then, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and drained diced tomatoes on top. Pour in the chicken broth and give it all a gentle stir to combine everything.
4. Cooking the Chicken:
Cover your crock pot and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked through and tender when it’s done.
5. Shredding the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the crock pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
6. Add Cream and Pasta:
Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and stir in the heavy cream. Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to the package directions in another pot until it’s al dente, then drain well.
7. Combining Everything:
Add the cooked pasta to the crock pot and carefully mix to combine everything. Then stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Watch as it melts into a creamy delight!
8. Final Touch:
Allow the crock pot to cook on low for an additional 15-20 minutes to let all the flavors meld together beautifully. Season with salt and pepper to taste right before serving.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before digging in. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta with family and friends!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just keep in mind that the cooking time may increase by 1-2 hours on low, and it’s best to check the internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked (165°F or 75°C).
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want to kick up the heat, consider adding extra Cajun seasoning, a dash of hot sauce, or even some sliced jalapeños into the crock pot. Adjust according to your spice preference!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth if needed for moisture.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more veggies, like bell peppers or zucchini, for added flavor and texture.
