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Easy & Flavorful Dinner Recipe

Easy & Flavorful Dinner Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 17 reviews

This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a deliciously easy and flavorful one-pot meal that combines tender, slow-cooked Cajun-seasoned chicken with creamy cheese sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. Ideal for busy weeknights, this comforting dish delivers a spicy, cheesy delight with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/2 yellow onion, sliced

Liquids and Dairy

  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Garnishes

  • 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish
  • Crushed red pepper flakes, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts evenly with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Optional: let the chicken marinate for 15–20 minutes to deepen the flavors.
  2. Slow Cook the Chicken and Vegetables: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers, the sliced yellow onion, and pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Cook on low heat for 6–7 hours or on high heat for 3–4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  3. Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker with the vegetables and broth.
  4. Add Cream Cheese and Parmesan: Stir in the cubed cream cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese into the slow cooker mixture. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy sauce. Let it cook for an additional 10–15 minutes on low to blend the flavors.
  5. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is finishing up, cook the penne or rotini pasta separately according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
  6. Combine and Serve: Stir the cooked pasta into the creamy Cajun chicken sauce in the slow cooker until thoroughly combined. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an added kick.

Notes

  • For milder spice, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the saltiness and lets the Cajun seasoning shine.
  • Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente to avoid it becoming mushy when mixed into the sauce.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to prevent the sauce from separating.
  • You can substitute cream cheese with a lighter cream alternative for a lower-fat version.

Nutrition

Keywords: Crock pot chicken pasta, creamy Cajun chicken, slow cooker pasta, easy dinner recipe, Cajun chicken pasta

Find it online: https://liamjayne.com/easy-and-flavorful-dinner-recipe/