This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a wonderful mix of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a spicy kick from the Cajun seasoning. It’s a comforting dish that lets you dump everything in the slow cooker and come back to a delicious, creamy pasta meal with just the right amount of heat.
I love making this recipe on busy days because it’s so easy to set up and lets the slow cooker do all the work. The Cajun spices add a nice boost of flavor without being too overwhelming, and the creamy sauce keeps everything rich and comforting. It’s always a hit with anyone who enjoys a little spice but also wants a cozy dinner.
My favorite way to serve this creamy Cajun chicken pasta is with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top and a side of garlic bread to soak up the sauce. It’s perfect for a relaxed evening when you want something filling but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. I think you’re going to enjoy how easy and tasty this meal comes together!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless work best for even cooking in the crock pot. You can swap with thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat, but cooking time might vary slightly.
Cajun seasoning: This is the flavor star here. If you don’t have a mix, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and black pepper. Adjust cayenne for heat preference.
Cream cheese & heavy cream: These create the creamy sauce texture. If you want a lighter version, use half-and-half or Greek yogurt, but cream cheese keeps it rich and smooth.
Pasta: Fettuccine is classic here, but penne, linguine, or even rotini works great. Breaking the noodles helps them cook evenly in the crock pot.
Chicken broth: Adds both moisture and flavor. Low-sodium broth gives you control over salt levels, or use vegetable broth if you want a milder taste.
How Do I Keep the Pasta from Getting Mushy in the Slow Cooker?
Pasta texture can be tricky in the crock pot. To keep it just right:
- Add uncooked pasta late in the cooking process (about 30 minutes before the end).
- Use broken noodles to allow even cooking and prevent clumping.
- Stir occasionally if possible to keep noodles submerged and separate.
- Adjust liquid amounts carefully—too much can make pasta soggy, less liquid keeps it firm, but beware of drying out.
Following these tips helps you get pasta that’s tender but not mushy, perfectly soaking up the creamy Cajun sauce!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crock pot or slow cooker – this is the heart of the recipe and does the slow cooking for you.
- Large skillet – I use this to sear the chicken first, which adds great flavor.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – perfect for stirring the sauce and pasta without scratching your crock pot.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping garlic and parsley.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your spices and liquids just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shrimp – cooks faster and adds a nice seafood twist.
- Add bell peppers or spinach – these veggies add color and a fresh crunch.
- Use smoked gouda or mozzarella cheese – for a milder, gooey cheese flavor.
- Mix in a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder – for deeper smoky heat if you like it spicier.
How to Make Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided
- 3 cups chicken broth, divided
- 8 oz fettuccine noodles (or pasta of your choice), broken in half
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil or butter (for searing chicken)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 4 to 4.5 hours to cook in the crock pot. You’ll do a little searing, load the slow cooker, and then come back later to add the pasta and cream. It’s a perfect low-effort, flavorful meal with plenty of time for other things.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning and Searing the Chicken:
Rub 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil or butter and brown the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side. This adds great flavor and seals in juices. Set the chicken aside.
2. Preparing the Sauce in the Crock Pot:
In your slow cooker, combine 2 cups of chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, and the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Give it a good stir.
3. Cooking the Chicken:
Place the seared chicken breasts into the crock pot on top of the sauce. Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
4. Adding Pasta and Creamy Ingredients:
About 30 minutes before serving, take the chicken out and shred it with two forks. Add the broken pasta, shredded chicken, remaining 1 cup of chicken broth, softened cream cheese, and heavy cream to the crock pot. Stir well to mix everything.
5. Finishing the Dish:
Cover and cook on low for an additional 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. When the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy, stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until it melts through.
6. Serving:
Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. This dish goes wonderfully with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water method for quicker thawing. This ensures even cooking in the crock pot.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, try using Greek yogurt or mascarpone for a creamy texture. Keep in mind, these may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the sauce.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier or Milder?
Absolutely! Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning to your heat preference. For milder flavor, reduce or omit cayenne; for extra kick, add more or a dash of hot sauce.
