Description
CrockPot Cajun Chicken Pasta is an easy dinner with tender seasoned chicken and creamy pasta that brings bold flavor with very little hands on work. It is quick to prep and simple to finish which makes it one of the best ideas for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. Bell peppers and chicken add a healthy balance while Parmesan and cream make the sauce rich enough for a holiday potluck brunch or casual party. Every bowl feels cozy and satisfying without making dinner complicated.
Ingredients
- 2 large breasts about 1 1/2 pounds Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1 medium sliced Red bell pepper
- 1 medium sliced Yellow bell pepper
- 1 small sliced Yellow onion
- 3 cloves minced Garlic
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 4 ounces cubed Cream cheese
- 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 ounces dry Penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons chopped Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Pat exactly 2 chicken breasts dry then cover both sides with the Cajun seasoning so the pale chicken changes to a deep rusty red coating with uneven speckles. Set the seasoned breasts loosely over the sliced peppers and onion so the vegetables remain visible around the edges and underneath the chicken.
- Pour the chicken broth around the seasoned chicken then add the butter so the vegetables begin to soften and release their juices around the breasts. Cook until exactly 2 chicken breasts are opaque and tender while the peppers and onion slump into the broth and the Cajun coating darkens into a moist reddish surface.
- Lift the 2 cooked chicken breasts aside then stir heavy cream and cream cheese and Parmesan into the softened peppers and seasoned juices until pale streaks disappear. Return the chicken after slicing both breasts into irregular strips so the creamy orange sauce partially coats the pieces while some browned Cajun edges remain visible.
- Cook 12 ounces of penne until the dry rigid tubes become plump and tender while still holding their shape. Drain the pasta so the pieces stay separate with a light surface sheen and slight variation in angle and spacing before they are mixed with the sauce.
- Transfer all of the cooked penne into the slow cooker then fold it through the creamy Cajun sauce until the tubes become evenly glossy orange with peppers tucked between them. Shift the sliced chicken through the pasta so pieces from both breasts sit at different depths and the sauce clings unevenly with visible pepper strips and melted Parmesan throughout.
- Scoop one generous portion onto a white plate so creamy penne forms a loose mound with sliced chicken visible across the top and sides. Finish with chopped parsley and a light scatter of Parmesan so the final dish shows creamy orange sauce and darker Cajun edges and softened peppers with natural uneven textures and non uniform color.
Notes
Pro Tips:
- Use a Cajun seasoning you already enjoy because spice and salt levels vary widely between brands and can change the final flavor.
- Keep the chicken breasts whole while slow cooking so they stay juicy then slice them just before mixing them back into the creamy sauce.
- Cook the penne only until al dente because the hot creamy sauce will continue softening the pasta slightly after everything is combined.
- If the sauce becomes thicker than you like then loosen it with a small splash of warm broth before serving without diluting the flavor.
Storage: Cool leftover CrockPot Cajun Chicken Pasta before transferring it into shallow airtight containers so the pasta can chill evenly and stay protected in the refrigerator. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days and keep the container tightly sealed so the creamy sauce does not dry out or absorb other refrigerator odors. Reheat individual portions gently until hot throughout and add a small splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened because the pasta continues absorbing moisture as it rests. Freezing is possible although the creamy sauce can separate slightly after thawing so refrigerated leftovers give the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Cuisine: Cajun inspired American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 760
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 61g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 175mg