Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

If you’re craving a meal that’s rich, creamy, and full of bold Cajun flavors, look no further than Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. This dish combines tender slow-cooked chicken with zesty Cajun spices, smooth cream sauce, and hearty pasta—all made with minimal effort in your slow cooker. Perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or when you just want something comforting and delicious.

This recipe brings together the flavor-packed essence of Cajun cuisine with the convenience of a crock pot. If you’re unfamiliar with Cajun seasoning, it’s a mix of spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and herbs that give this dish its signature zesty heat and depth. You can learn more about what goes into authentic Cajun seasoning here, and even try mixing your own!

For those who are sensitive to dairy or looking for alternatives to heavy cream, you’ll be glad to know there are several great heavy cream substitutes you can use that won’t compromise on flavor or texture.

What is creamy cajun chicken pasta ?

Cajun Chicken Pasta is a Southern-inspired dish that combines juicy chicken, Cajun seasoning, and a rich cream sauce, typically served over pasta. This slow cooker version simplifies the process, letting the flavors develop slowly for maximum taste with minimal work. The result? A creamy, spicy, and satisfying one-pot meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 lb uncooked penne pasta
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Add-ins:

• Bell peppers or broccoli
• Rotel tomatoes (for extra spice)
• Shrimp or sausage
• Onion or onion powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Crock Pot

Add chicken breasts, heavy cream, chicken broth, butter, Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder into a 6-quart crock pot. Stir gently to combine.

2. Cook the Chicken

Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F).

3. Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken, shred it using forks or a hand mixer, and return it to the crock pot.

4. Add the Pasta

Stir in uncooked pasta. Cover and cook on high for 20–30 minutes, until pasta is tender.

5. Finish with Cheese

Once the pasta is done, stir in the Parmesan cheese. Cover for another 5 minutes to melt and combine.

6. Serve & Enjoy

Spoon onto plates or bowls and garnish with more cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Variations & Substitutions

• Swap chicken with shrimp, sausage, or even salmon for a different twist
• Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version
• Add spinach or kale toward the end for extra greens
• Adjust the heat by reducing or increasing Cajun seasoning

Pro Tips for the Perfect Pasta

• Don’t add pasta too early—it may get mushy
• Use fresh Parmesan for the best melt and flavor
• If your sauce is too thin, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water)
• Want extra richness? Add a bit of cream cheese at the end

What to Serve with It

• Fresh Caesar or garden salad
• Garlic bread or homemade breadsticks
• Lightly roasted vegetables like broccoli or zucchini

How to Store and Reheat

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Reheat: Microwave in 30-second intervals or heat in a skillet over low heat
• Freezer: Best not to freeze with pasta, but the chicken and sauce freeze well

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 465
• Protein: 33g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 2g

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat, depending on your Cajun seasoning. You can reduce or increase the spice to your taste.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just reduce the cook time and add it when you stir in the pasta.

What type of pasta works best?
Penne is ideal, but bowtie, rigatoni, or fettuccine also work.

Can I cook the pasta separately?
Absolutely. If you’re concerned about overcooking, boil it separately and stir it into the sauce.

Is milk a good substitute for heavy cream?
Not really. Milk may curdle and lacks the fat content needed for a creamy sauce.

Can this be made dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream or unsweetened almond cream, and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Too watery? Use a cornstarch slurry
• Too bland? Add more Cajun seasoning or salt
• Too spicy? Mix in a little sour cream to tame the heat
• Pasta mushy? Next time, cook separately

Creative Leftover Ideas

Got extras? You can make:

• Cajun chicken wraps with tortillas
• A creamy baked pasta casserole
• Cajun chicken pizza with mozzarella
• Pasta-stuffed bell peppers

Explore even more ways to reuse leftovers with these creative pasta tips.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal—it’s a weeknight winner, a dinner party favorite, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or meal-prepping for the week, this dish brings the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and comfort.

Feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your preferences and make it your own. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting so you can sit back and enjoy the rich, satisfying flavors of the South with none of the hassle.

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