This Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a tasty one-pot meal that’s bursting with flavor! Juicy chicken, zesty spices, and creamy sauce all come together for a delightful dish.
Cooking in a Crock Pot means you just toss everything in and let it do the work. I love how I can set it and forget it, then enjoy a delicious pasta dinner with minimal fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish. You can swap them for thighs for a juicier result. If you’re in a hurry, rotisserie chicken works well too.
Cajun seasoning: This is essential for flavor. If you don’t have it, make your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder, or use other seasonings like Creole seasoning.
Pasta: I love using penne or rotini for the sauce to cling to, but you can use any pasta you have on hand, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Heavy cream: For a lighter option, try half-and-half or coconut milk. The creaminess will change, but the dish will still be tasty!
How Do You Ensure Your Pasta is Perfectly Cooked in a Crock Pot?
Cooking pasta in a Crock Pot can be tricky. To get it just right, add the uncooked pasta in the last 30 to 45 minutes of cooking. This ensures it cooks in the sauce without getting mushy.
- Make sure to stir the pasta halfway through the cooking time to prevent it from sticking.
- If the sauce looks too thick, don’t hesitate to add a bit of extra chicken broth to keep it creamy.
- Keep the lid on while cooking so the steam helps cook the pasta evenly.
Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (or plain diced tomatoes)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and then 4 to 5 hours of cooking on low, or 30 to 45 minutes on high once the pasta is added. It’s a perfect meal for busy days when you want something hearty waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spice Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper (if you’re using it), salt, and black pepper. This blend will give your chicken a wonderful kick of flavor!
2. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and rub the spice mixture evenly all over them. Make sure they are nicely coated to soak up all those delicious flavors.
3. Place Chicken in the Crock Pot:
Put the seasoned chicken breasts into the Crock Pot. This is where the magic happens!
4. Add Tomatoes and Broth:
Pour the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) over the chicken, and then add the chicken broth. This will create a tasty base for your pasta!
5. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the Crock Pot and set it to cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shredded when it’s ready.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken from the Crock Pot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. It’s okay if some chicken remains in larger chunks too!
7. Return the Shredded Chicken:
Put the shredded chicken back into the Crock Pot so it can mingle with all that delicious sauce.
8. Add Cream:
Pour in the heavy cream and stir everything together. This makes the sauce wonderfully creamy!
9. Incorporate the Pasta:
Add the uncooked pasta to the Crock Pot and stir gently to ensure the pasta is submerged in the sauce.
10. Cook the Pasta:
Cover and cook on high for 30 to 45 minutes. Make sure to stir halfway through this time to help the pasta cook evenly.
11. Add Cheese:
Once the pasta is tender, stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Keep mixing until they melt and the dish becomes creamy.
12. Taste and Adjust:
Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed. You might want a little extra salt or a hint of spice depending on your taste!
13. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle sliced green onions and chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy your warm, comforting Cajun Chicken Pasta!
This rich and spicy Cajun chicken pasta is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal made easy by the Crock Pot!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just increase the cooking time to 6 to 7 hours on low or 1 to 1.5 hours on high. Ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.
What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No worries! You can make your own blend using equal parts paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and some cayenne pepper for heat. Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, just heat it up in the Crock Pot, then add the pasta and cream before cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain creaminess if needed!
