Why Make This Recipe
Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a wonderful choice for dinner. It's full of rich flavors and is super easy to make. Using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it while you attend to other things. This recipe takes simple ingredients and turns them into a flavorful meal that will impress your family or guests. Plus, who doesn't love creamy pasta?
How to Make Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Making this dish is straightforward. Just follow these easy steps, and you'll have a delicious dinner ready to enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- ½ yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
- Fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Directions:
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Start by rubbing your chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. If you have time, marinate the chicken for 15-20 minutes to enhance the flavor.
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Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and chicken broth.
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Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking makes the chicken tender.
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After cooking, remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then return it to the slow cooker.
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Add the cubed cream cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese to the mixture. Stir until everything is melted and creamy. Cook on low for an additional 10-15 minutes.
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While that's happening, cook the pasta separately according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta once it's cooked.
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Finally, stir the drained pasta into the creamy chicken mixture in the slow cooker. Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, or crushed red pepper flakes.
How to Serve Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Serve this dish warm right after mixing the pasta into the creamy chicken sauce. You can put it in bowls or on plates. Top it with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. If you like it spicy, add some crushed red pepper flakes on top. This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread.
How to Store Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you are ready to eat, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up while reheating.
Tips to Make Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Adjust the Spice: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning. On the flip side, if you love spicy food, feel free to add more.
- Use Frozen Chicken: If you forget to thaw your chicken, you can use frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Just add an hour to the cooking time.
- Experiment with Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
Variation
You can make this dish with different proteins like shrimp or sausage. You can also substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta if needed. Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables to customize it to your taste.
FAQs
Can I use whole chicken breasts instead of shredded chicken?
While whole chicken breasts can be used, shredding the chicken after cooking helps mix the flavors better into the sauce.
What if I don't have Cajun seasoning?
If you don't have Cajun seasoning, you can mix equal parts of paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper for a similar flavor.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes! You can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a simple and satisfying meal. It's perfect for busy nights or whenever you want something creamy and flavorful. With easy preparation and a few minutes of cooking, you'll have a delightful dish to share with family and friends. Enjoy your cooking!
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts Can use frozen chicken with extended cooking time.
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Adjust according to spice preference.
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing chicken.
- 1 each red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 each green bell pepper, sliced
- 0.5 each yellow onion, sliced
Sauce and Pasta
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta Cook according to package instructions.
Garnish
- Fresh parsley For garnish.
- Extra Parmesan cheese For serving.
- Crushed red pepper flakes For added spice.
Instructions
Preparation
- Rub chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Marinate for 15-20 minutes if possible.
Slow Cooking
- Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker and add sliced bell peppers, onion, and chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- After cooking, shred the chicken and return it to the slow cooker.
Creamy Mixture
- Add cubed cream cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese to the mixture and stir until melted and creamy.
- Cook on low for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Pasta Cooking
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente and drain.
Serving
- Stir the drained pasta into the creamy chicken mixture in the slow cooker and serve hot.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, or crushed red pepper flakes.
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