Description
This Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken seasoned with Cajun spices, cooked with bell peppers, tomatoes, and garlic in a rich Parmesan and cream sauce, combined with penne pasta for a comforting meal perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated to infuse the meat with bold, spicy flavors.
- Assemble in Crock Pot: Transfer the seasoned chicken into the slow cooker, setting the base for the dish.
- Add Sauce and Vegetables: Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced red and green bell peppers, and minced garlic over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the mixture well to evenly distribute all the ingredients and evenly integrate the flavors.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and the flavors to meld.
- Add Pasta: About 15 minutes before the cooking time ends, add the penne pasta to the slow cooker, ensuring the pasta has enough time to cook through and absorb the sauce.
- Submerge the Pasta: Stir gently to ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the sauce for even cooking.
- Continue Cooking: Cover and cook on high for an additional 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Season and Adjust: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed for balance.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the Cajun chicken pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning for milder or spicier flavor.
- If the sauce is too thick at the end, add a little extra chicken broth to reach the desired consistency.
- Using fresh diced tomatoes improves texture, but canned tomatoes work well and are convenient.
- To save time, season the chicken the night before and refrigerate so the flavors deepen.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
