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Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe for Flavorful Meals

My Crock Pot Cajun chicken pasta is creamy, cheesy, and simple to prepare. This restaurant-quality slow cooker dish lets the crock pot do the work so you can come home to a hot, flavorful meal without standing over the stove.

a wooden spoon with cajun chicken and penne pasta over top of a black crock pot.

I love returning home to a dinner that’s been cooking all day in the crock pot. Some favorites include stuffed peppers, pork chops with stuffing, and slow cooker wedding soup, but this Cajun chicken pasta is a go-to for busy weeknights. Serve it with crusty garlic bread and extra grated Parmesan for a comforting meal the whole family will enjoy.

Why this recipe works

  1. We brown the chicken. Searing adds a deep, savory flavor you can’t get otherwise. Deglazing the skillet with some broth pulls those browned bits into the sauce for extra richness.
  2. We shred fresh Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly shredded Parmesan melts creamier and tastes brighter. Using the rind while the sauce simmers adds even more flavor.
  3. We cook the pasta in the broth. Cooking penne directly in the seasoned broth lets the pasta absorb flavor instead of cooking in plain water.

Ingredient notes and shopping tips

ingredients including chicken, Cajun seasoning, bell peppers, penne pasta, heavy cream, chicken broth, and cheese.
  • Chicken: Boneless skinless breasts are used here, but boneless skinless thighs work too; they may need a bit more cook time.
  • Pasta: Use a tubular, ridged pasta to hold the sauce, such as penne, ziti, rigatoni, or cavatappi.
  • Heavy cream: Use heavy cream (at least 36% fat). Lower-fat dairy is more likely to separate or curdle when heated for extended periods.
  • Parmesan: Freshly shredded Parmesan melts smoother and tastes better than pre-shredded varieties, which often include anti-caking agents.
  • Cajun seasoning: Choose your preferred brand and adjust amount to taste. Some blends are saltier than others, so taste as you go.
a 4 image collage showing how to make cajun chicken pasta in the slow cooker.

Troubleshooting and tips

  1. Mushy pasta: Add pasta during the last 30 minutes and set the crock pot to high. The dish will continue to soften after the pot is turned off, so remove the pasta when it’s just al dente.
  2. Clumpy sauce: Clumping often comes from pre-shredded cheese. Grate your own Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
  3. Cream curdles: Use full-fat heavy cream and avoid low-fat or plant-based substitutes for this recipe. Warming the cream slightly before adding can also help.
  4. Sauce too thin: Allow the cream and cheese time to incorporate and thicken. Add more grated cheese if needed.
  5. Kitchen shortcut: Partially freeze chicken for 10–15 minutes to make it easier to dice cleanly.
Can I use frozen chicken?

No. For food safety and even cooking, use fully thawed chicken when cooking in a slow cooker.

a plate of crock pot Cajun pasta with chicken topped with Parmesan cheese and parsley.

More crock pot dinners we love

Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie

Marry Me Chicken

Turkey Chili

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📖 Recipe

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Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

This creamy, cheesy slow cooker Cajun pasta serves a crowd and is ideal for busy days.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 8 People
Calories: 631kcal
Author: Krystle Smith

Ingredients

  • 1.5–2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth, divided
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • 1 (16-ounce) box pasta (penne recommended)
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly shredded Parmesan, rind reserved
  • Parsley, for garnish (optional)
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Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet. Brown diced chicken on all sides. Deglaze the pan with about 1 cup of the chicken broth, scraping up browned bits, then transfer the chicken to the crock pot.
  2. Add the onion, bell peppers, garlic, remaining chicken broth, butter, Cajun seasoning, and the Parmesan rind (if using) to the crock pot. Stir to combine.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
  4. During the last 30 minutes of cook time, add the pasta and set the crock pot to high if not already. Cook for about 30 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally so pasta cooks evenly.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and freshly shredded Parmesan. Continue cooking 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove the Parmesan rind before serving if you used it. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 631 kcal
| Carbohydrates: 48 g
| Protein: 33 g
| Fat: 34 g
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a forkful of Cajun pasta with chicken.
a bowl of chicken Cajun pasta made in the slow cooker.