Got it! Let’s shorten the keyphrase to make it more concise and SEO-friendly. Instead of “Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe,” we’ll use “Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe” as the primary keyphrase. This shorter version is easier to work with and still captures the essence of the recipe. Here’s the updated version with the new keyphrase and its synonyms integrated throughout:
Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe – Easy & Delicious!
Looking for an easy and delicious Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe? You’ve come to the right place! This Slow Cooker Cajun Pasta is the ultimate weeknight lifesaver—flavorful, hands-off, and family-friendly. Imagine tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy Cajun sauce that’s absolutely DA BOMB!!! all made in your trusty slow cooker. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just craving something comforting, this Creamy Cajun Pasta dish has got you covered.
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Chicken Pasta
This Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s packed with bold Cajun flavors, requires minimal prep, and cooks effortlessly in your slow cooker. Plus, it’s versatile—you can adjust the spice level, swap in your favorite pasta, or even make it vegetarian.
Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Pasta
Here’s what you’ll need for this Slow Cooker Cajun Pasta:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (I love using a mix of red and green for color)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste—I use Tony Chachere’s for authenticity)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 12 ounces penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. (This step is optional but adds extra flavor!)
- Layer the Ingredients: In your crock pot, combine the diced onions, bell peppers, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, cream cheese, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and thyme. Stir to combine.
- Add the Chicken: Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the mixture.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the crock pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the crock pot, stirring to ensure it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Cajun Pasta
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra Cajun seasoning for more heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for plant-based chicken alternatives or extra veggies like mushrooms and zucchini.
- Lighter Version: Use fat-free cream cheese and half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or garlic breadsticks.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (serves 6):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Fat | 18g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 5g |
Recipe Card
Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4-6.5 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Season and sear the chicken.
- Layer ingredients in the crock pot.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Shred the chicken and return to the pot.
- Add pasta and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and garnish before serving.
Call to Action
Let me know what you think of this Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe in the comments below! Did you tweak it? Add extra spice? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t forget to share this recipe on social media and tag me—I can’t wait to see your creations!
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw it first for even cooking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
What kind of pasta works best?
Penne, fettuccine, or bowtie pasta all work great.
Can I substitute the cream cheese?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.
Meta Description:
Try this Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe for an easy, flavorful, and family-friendly dinner! This Slow Cooker Cajun Pasta features tender chicken, creamy Cajun sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta—perfect for busy weeknights.
Keyphrase in Subheadings:
- Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Slow Cooker Cajun Pasta
- Creamy Cajun Pasta
- How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Tips for the Best Cajun Pasta
Enjoy! 😊