This Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a fun, spicy dish! Tender chicken, zesty Cajun seasoning, and creamy pasta blend together for a meal that’s full of flavor.
I love how I can just toss everything in the Crock Pot and relax. Plus, the whole house smells amazing while it cooks! Who doesn’t enjoy a little easy cooking magic? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great for this recipe as they stay tender and juicy. You could use thighs if you prefer more flavor. Both options will yield delicious results!
Cajun Seasoning: This is the star of the dish! If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, mix paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and a bit of oregano for a similar taste. You can adjust the amount based on how spicy you like it!
Pasta: I love using penne because it’s sturdy and holds the sauce well. However, any short pasta like rotini or fusilli would also work nicely. Just keep an eye on cooking time as it may vary.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella blend nicely for creaminess! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use reduced-fat versions. Or try pepper jack for a spicy kick!
Heavy Cream: This gives the dish its creamy texture. For a lighter version, swap in half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative!
How Do I Make Sure the Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta in the crock pot can be tricky! The key is timing. Add the uncooked pasta towards the end of the cooking process to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Add pasta after shredding the chicken and stirring in the heavy cream.
- Cover and cook on high for just 30 minutes. This will give the pasta enough time to cook while absorbing all those great flavors!
- Check for doneness after 20 minutes. If it’s not quite tender, give it a few more minutes.
Trust me, timing is everything to keep that pasta al dente!
Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz uncooked penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high for cooking. You will also need an additional 30 minutes to cook the pasta at the end, making it a total of about 5 hours from start to finish. Easy and worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Setup the Crock Pot:
Start by spraying the inside of your crock pot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier!
2. Add the Chicken:
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts flat at the bottom of your crock pot.
3. Season the Chicken:
Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of salt and pepper evenly over the chicken. This will give it a beautiful flavor!
4. Add Tomatoes and Broth:
Pour the can of diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the chicken broth over the chicken. This will keep everything moist while cooking.
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it using two forks. It should come apart easily!
7. Stir in the Cream:
Add the heavy cream to the crock pot liquid and stir well to combine the flavors.
8. Cook the Pasta:
Add the uncooked penne pasta to the crock pot and stir it in. Return the shredded chicken to the mix, combining everything thoroughly.
9. Final Cooking:
Cover the crock pot again and cook on high for another 30 minutes. This will allow the pasta to cook perfectly and absorb that delicious sauce!
10. Add the Cheese:
Once the pasta is tender, stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until they are melted and creamy. It’s going to smell amazing!
11. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish your dish with chopped green onions before serving. This gives it that extra touch! Now enjoy your creamy, spicy, and Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta!
FAQs About Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to increase the cooking time by about 1-2 hours when using frozen chicken. It’s best to add it directly from the freezer without thawing, but ensure it cooks thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F.
What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No worries! You can make your own Cajun seasoning by mixing equal parts paprika and cayenne pepper with garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of thyme. Adjust the spice level to your taste!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and seasonings ahead and keep them in the fridge. Just add everything to the crock pot when you’re ready to cook. However, it’s best to add the pasta just before serving to keep it fresh and tasty!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of cream or broth if it seems dry.
