This Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a fun and tasty dish packed with flavor! It combines tender chicken, zesty Cajun spices, and creamy sauce with pasta—perfect for a cozy dinner.
I love how easy it is to make! Just toss everything in the Crock Pot, go about your day, and come back to a warm, delicious meal. It’s like a warm hug on a plate. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Diced boneless chicken breast gives a lean protein base. If you’re looking for a substitute, turkey breast or even tofu works for a vegetarian option. Just remember to adjust cooking time for tofu.
Cajun Seasoning: This blend is what brings the spirit of Louisiana to your dish! If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can mix paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper for a quick alternative. You can also use Creole seasoning for a slightly different flavor.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds a lovely creaminess to the pasta. If you’re after a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt or a non-dairy cream cheese. It won’t be as thick, but still delicious!
Pasta: I chose penne because its shape holds onto the sauce nicely. You can swap it for any pasta you have on hand, like fusilli or rigatoni. Just keep in mind that different shapes may need different cooking times.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the dish. If you want to lighten it up, half-and-half or coconut milk are great substitutes, though they will change the flavor slightly.
How Do You Cook Pasta in a Crock Pot Without Overcooking It?
Cooking pasta in a Crock Pot requires a bit of precision to avoid mushiness. Here’s how to get it right:
- After chicken is cooked, add uncooked pasta to the pot. This allows pasta to absorb the flavors.
- Add heavy cream, and make sure to stir well, covering the pasta with the sauce.
- Set your Crock Pot to high and check at 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- If it looks undercooked after 30 minutes, give it a few more minutes.
Taste testing helps! Take a noodle out and check if it’s to your liking before serving. Enjoy your creamy dish without overcooked pasta!
How to Make Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dish:
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 12 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 20 minutes to prepare and about 4-6 hours to cook on low in the Crock Pot, or 2-3 hours on high. It’s a simple, hands-off recipe that fills your kitchen with delicious aromas while it cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Add the Chicken and Seasonings:
Start by putting the diced chicken breast in your Crock Pot. Then, sprinkle over the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to make sure the chicken is well-coated with the spices.
2. Pour in the Chicken Broth:
Now, pour the chicken broth over the seasoned chicken. This will help keep the chicken moist while it cooks. Don’t worry if it looks a bit soupy; that’s just what we want!
3. Layer on the Cream Cheese and Tomatoes:
Next, place the cream cheese right on top of the chicken mixture. Then, sprinkle the diced tomatoes over everything. This will create a creamy, tangy sauce for your pasta.
4. Cook Your Chicken:
Cover the Crock Pot and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Stir in Cream and Pasta:
Once the chicken is done, it’s time to add the heavy cream. Pour it in and give everything a nice stir. Then, add the uncooked penne pasta, mixing it to ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the sauce.
6. Cook the Pasta:
Cover the Crock Pot again and cook on high for an additional 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together. You want it tender, so check it towards the end!
7. Mix in the Cheese:
When your pasta is cooked, add the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir gently until the cheese is melted and everything is creamy and delicious!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is ready! Ladle it into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy this cozy, flavorful dish with your family or friends!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken, but you’ll need to extend the cooking time slightly. Cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Make sure to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before proceeding with the recipe.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking to lighten the dish, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and butter (about 3/4 cup milk with 1/4 cup melted butter). Keep in mind that using lighter options may affect the creaminess of the sauce.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. You may want to add a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce’s texture.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! If you’d like to increase the heat, consider adding more Cajun seasoning or some diced jalapeños to the chicken at the start. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the finished dish for an extra kick!
