Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for this dish. If you need a substitution, you can use chicken thighs for more flavor or even shrimp if you prefer seafood.

Cajun Seasoning: This is what gives the dish its delicious kick! You can use store-bought Cajun seasoning or make your own with spices you have at home. If you want less heat, reduce the amount used.

Pasta: I like using penne or rotini because they hold the sauce well. You can swap these for any pasta type you prefer, but cooking time may vary for larger or shaped pasta.

Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or even a mix of milk and Greek yogurt. Just know that the creaminess might be slightly less rich.

How Do I Ensure the Chicken Stays Juicy and Tasty?

To keep your chicken tender and flavorful while cooking in the crock pot, follow these steps:

• Seasoning: Be generous with your seasoning mixture. It infuses flavor and helps keep the chicken moist.
• Layering: Place the chicken at the bottom, as it will cook in its own juices, which adds to the flavor.
• Shredding: After cooking, shred the chicken when it’s hot. This helps it absorb even more flavor from the sauce.

Don’t rush the cooking time; let it do its magic! If you follow these tips, your chicken will turn out perfectly juicy.

Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 oz penne or rotini pasta (uncooked)
• 1 small green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
• 1 small red bell pepper, chopped (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Time Needed:

This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time, and then you’ll let the crock pot work its magic! Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. After that, you’ll need an additional 30-45 minutes to cook the pasta and melt the cheese. Altogether, plan for about 5-7 hours from start to finish, but most of that time is hands-off!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken:

In a small bowl, mix together the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Rub this flavorful spice mix all over the chicken breasts. This will give the chicken a tasty kick!

2. Layer in the Crock Pot:

Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot. Next, add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and optional bell peppers. They’ll add a nice crunch and flavor to the dish!

3. Add Liquids:

Pour the drained diced tomatoes and chicken broth over the ingredients in the crock pot. This is going to create a delicious sauce as everything cooks.

4. Cook:

Cover the crock pot and let it cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and nice and tender when done.

5. Shred the Chicken:

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the crock pot. Using two forks, shred it into bite-sized pieces. This will make it easy to mix back in with the pasta!

6. Add Pasta and Cream:

To the pot, add the uncooked pasta and heavy cream. Stir everything together to combine well.

7. Return the Chicken:

Add the shredded chicken back into the crock pot and mix it all together.

8. Finish Cooking:

Cover the crock pot again and cook on high for another 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. This will help avoid any sticking.

9. Add Cheese:

Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s all melted and creamy. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

10. Garnish and Serve:

Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley or chopped green onions on top for a pop of color and flavor. Dive into your creamy, delicious Cajun chicken pasta!

Enjoy every bite of this Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta! It’s sure to be a hit with family and friends!

FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?

Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure they are fully thawed before seasoning them. If using frozen chicken, you may need to extend the cooking time by an hour or two to ensure it’s cooked through.

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the ingredients and layer them in the crock pot the night before. Just refrigerate it and cook in the morning. You may want to add a bit more cooking time if cooking from cold.

How to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream if it seems dry.

What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?

If you want a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of milk and plain Greek yogurt. The dish will still be creamy, just a tad less rich!