Ugh, those weeknights, right? Between soccer practice, homework meltdowns, and just trying to find matching socks, dinner can feel like a Herculean task. I used to stare into my pantry, completely uninspired, wondering what on earth we were going to eat that wouldn’t involve a sad frozen pizza for the third time that week. Then, I remembered a dish my grandma used to make, that amazing Cajun chicken thing she’d throw into her old slow cooker. I decided to put my own spin on it, and bam! My Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta was born. It’s just ridiculously easy, packed with all sorts of yummy Cajun flavors, and seriously, my whole family devours it. Plus, with my background in food safety, you know it’s made with the best practices in mind!
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
This dish is an absolute lifesaver on busy nights! You’ll love it because:
- It’s seriously simple: Just dump the ingredients into your crock pot and let it do the work.
- Big, bold flavor: Get that amazing Cajun kick without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Family-Approved: It’s so creamy and satisfying, everyone from the little ones to the grown-ups will be asking for seconds.
- Major time-saver: Perfect for when you’ve got a million things to do but still want a delicious, home-cooked meal.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Okay, so for this magical Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, you’re going to need just a few things. Don’t worry, nothing too crazy! Gather these up, and you’re halfway to dinner heaven:
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (they cook up so tender!)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (this is where the creaminess comes from, folks!)
- 4 cups chicken broth (gives it that yummy flavor base)
- 4 tablespoons butter (because butter makes everything better, right?)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (this is the star of the show for that kick! See my tips down below if you’re sensitive to spice!)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (a little savory magic)
For the Pasta and Cheese:
- 1 pound penne pasta (uncooked, yep!)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (hello, cheesy goodness!)
How to Make Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Alright, let’s get this party started! Making this Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is honestly a breeze, and the best part is you can find even more awesome pasta recipes that are perfect for meal prep. Just follow these super simple steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table with barely any fuss. Trust me, your slow cooker is about to become your best friend!
If you want another look at this amazing recipe, check out the original source here: Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta at Eating On A Dime.
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot
First things first, grab your 6-quart crock pot. Toss in your boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Then, pour in the heavy whipping cream and chicken broth. Add the butter, garlic powder, and that all-important Cajun seasoning. Don’t overthink it, just get it all in there!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Now, put the lid on your crock pot. You’ve got options here: cook it on LOW for about 4 to 6 hours, or if you’re in a real pinch, HIGH for 2 to 3 hours works too. The most important thing is that the chicken is cooked all the way through, with no pink bits left. An instant-read thermometer should read 165°F (74°C).
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken and Sauce
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, carefully take it out of the crock pot. You can shred it with two forks or dice it into bite-sized pieces – whatever you like best! Then, give the sauce left behind a good whisk to make it nice and smooth. Pop that chicken back into the creamy sauce. Yum!
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Here’s the magic part: stir in the uncooked penne pasta right into the crock pot with the chicken and sauce. Put the lid back on and cook on HIGH for another 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll want to stir it occasionally to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick. Keep going until the penne is tender and perfectly cooked.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the pasta is tender, stir in that grated Parmesan cheese. Put the lid back on for about 5 minutes, just to let all that cheesy goodness melt into the sauce. Give it one last stir, and your incredible Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is ready to be dished up. Serve it hot and watch everyone dig in!
Tips for the Perfect Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
You know, making this Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is *pretty* simple, but there are a couple of little tricks that can really take it from good to absolutely *amazing*. These are the things I’ve learned over the years, and they totally make a difference. Think of them as my little kitchen secrets for you! If you’re looking for more tasty pasta recipes, I’ve got you covered!
Adjusting the Spice Level
That Cajun seasoning is where all the fun flavor comes from, but it can pack a punch! If you’re not a huge fan of heat, or you’re cooking for little ones, definitely dial it back. I usually cut the 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning in half, maybe even a little less to start. You can always add a tiny bit more at the end if you want extra zing. It’s way easier to add than to take away!
Ensuring Creamy Consistency
For that super luscious, creamy sauce, I always, always use a good quality heavy whipping cream. It just makes all the difference. Also, when you’re stirring in the pasta at the end, give it a good whisk beforehand. And don’t forget to stir the pasta as it cooks on high – that really helps prevent sticking and keeps everything beautifully blended and smooth, not clumpy.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Let’s chat about some of these ingredients for our Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta! The heavy whipping cream is key for that super rich, creamy texture, but if you need a lighter option, you *could* try half-and-half, though it won’t be quite as decadent. As for the pasta, penne is my go-to because it holds that yummy sauce so well, but feel free to use rotini, farfalle, or even shells if that’s what you have on hand! Just make sure it’s a shape that can scoop up all that goodness.
Serving Suggestions
This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a meal in itself, but it’s also fantastic with a few extra touches! A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is perfect for cutting through that richness. Or, try some crusty garlic bread to really sop up every last bit of that delicious sauce. For more easy dinner recipe ideas, I’ve got plenty!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Got some of this amazing Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta leftover? Lucky you! Just pop any leftovers into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to 5 days, which is super handy for lunches or another quick dinner. When you’re ready to reheat, you can gently warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or even microwave it in short bursts until it’s heated through. I sometimes add a tiny splash of milk or broth if it seems a little thick after chilling!
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about my amazing Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta? I’ve got answers!
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?
Oh absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually fantastic in this recipe. They tend to stay super moist and are a bit more forgiving if you accidentally cook them a little longer. You might want to add them a bit earlier in the cooking process or just be mindful of the “cooked through” temperature, which is still 165°F (74°C). You can find more chicken thigh recipes if you love them!
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Making this Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta gluten-free is totally doable! The main thing is to swap out the regular penne pasta for your favorite gluten-free penne or other gluten-free pasta shapes. Honestly, there are so many great gluten-free pasta options out there now, you won’t even miss the difference. Just double-check your Cajun seasoning blend to make sure it’s gluten-free too!
Can I freeze Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?
You know, it’s best to serve this dish fresh. While you *can* freeze leftovers, the creamy sauce might change texture a bit when thawed. If you do decide to freeze it, let it cool completely, store it in an airtight container, and try to use it within a month or so. Reheat it gently on the stove, stirring often.
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for this Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is an estimate, and it can totally change depending on the exact ingredients you use. But, generally speaking, you’re looking at about 850-950 calories per serving, with around 50-60g of fat, 40-50g of protein, and 45-55g of carbs. It’s definitely a hearty meal!
Share Your Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Creations!
I absolutely LOVE hearing from you all! Did you make my easy Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta? Did your family devour it? Please, please, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. A star rating is super helpful too! If you snapped any pictures of your masterpiece, tag me on social media – I’d be thrilled to see your creations! You can learn more about my foodie journey and what drives me to create these recipes here.
Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add the chicken, heavy whipping cream, chicken broth, butter, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning into a 6 quart crock pot.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is cooked through (has an internal temperature of 165 degrees F).
- Remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred or dice it into large pieces.
- Whisk the sauce in the crock pot. Return the chicken back to the crock pot and stir in the uncooked pasta.
- Cover and cook on high for 20-30 minutes until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese. Cover for 5 minutes and allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
