Description

This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful slow-cooked dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken simmered with garlic, onion, cream cheese, and heavy cream, tossed with penne pasta, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley for an easy yet indulgent meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

1.5 pounds chicken breasts
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, chopped

Dairy and Liquids

8 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Garnishes

12 ounces penne pasta
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Season the Chicken: Generously coat the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Layer Ingredients in Crock Pot: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the crock pot, then top them with minced garlic, chopped onion, and cream cheese cubes evenly distributed over the top.
Add Chicken Broth: Pour the chicken broth carefully around the sides of the crock pot, avoiding pouring directly onto the cream cheese to preserve its texture.
Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shred with a fork.
Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot, shred them with two forks into bite-sized pieces, then return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and mix well with the sauce.
Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, boil the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Add Cream and Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, stir the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese into the crock pot to blend and create a creamy sauce.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta into the crock pot with the chicken and sauce, stirring thoroughly until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy Cajun sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish as a garnish just before serving to add color and a fresh herbal note.

Notes

You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning depending on your spice preference.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a slurry of cornstarch and water 15 minutes before serving.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Ensure to not overcook the pasta to maintain its texture when combined with the sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Crock Pot, Cajun Chicken, Creamy Pasta, Slow Cooker, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Penne Pasta