This Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a fun and tasty dish! It combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and zesty Cajun spices for a flavorful meal.
You just throw everything in the pot and let it do its thing—so easy! I love serving it with a sprinkle of cheese. It’s always a hit at dinner! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. You can swap them for thighs if you prefer a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
Alfredo Sauce: A jarred Alfredo sauce makes this dish super easy! If you’d like a lighter option, use a homemade or low-fat version. You can also replace it with a cheese sauce for a different taste.
Cajun Seasoning: This gives the pasta its vibrant flavor. If you have different spices on hand, try paprika, cayenne pepper, or even a pre-made Cajun spice mix. Adjust the amount to your spice preference!
Pasta: Penne pasta is a great choice for this dish, but you can use any short pasta like rotini or fusilli. Just remember to check cooking times if you choose a different type!
How Do I Cook the Pasta Perfectly in a Crock Pot?
Getting the pasta right in a crock pot can be tricky, but here’s how to do it! After shredding the chicken and returning it to the pot, add uncooked pasta and stir it in. Cover the pot and cook on HIGH for about 30-40 minutes.
- Make sure to stir a couple of times to prevent sticking.
- Check for doneness by tasting the pasta a few minutes before the time is up. You want it to be firm yet tender!
If it’s not quite ready, give it a few more minutes. Enjoy your delicious pasta with the perfect texture!
Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (16 oz) jar Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe takes roughly 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high to cook the chicken, plus another 30-40 minutes to cook the pasta. Overall, you’re looking at about 5 hours from start to finish. The best part is that while it cooks, you have time to relax or do other things!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the large boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the bottom of your crock pot. This will be the base for your delicious dish!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium mixing bowl, add the Alfredo sauce, heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and chicken broth. Mix everything together with a whisk or fork until it’s well combined and smooth.
3. Combine in the Crock Pot:
Carefully pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crock pot. Make sure the chicken is well-coated with the sauce to enhance the flavor as it cooks.
4. Cooking Time:
Set your crock pot to LOW for about 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender when done.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces—so easy!
6. Return the Chicken:
Put the shredded chicken back into the crock pot and stir it into the sauce to blend everything together nicely.
7. Add the Pasta:
Now, it’s time to add the uncooked penne pasta. Just sprinkle it in, and stir everything well so the pasta is coated with the flavorful sauce.
8. Cook the Pasta:
Cover the crock pot and set it to HIGH for another 30-40 minutes. You’ll want to stir it occasionally to ensure the pasta cooks evenly. Check for doneness by tasting it—you want it to be al dente!
9. Add Cheese:
If you’re a fan of cheese, sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the top of the pasta, cover again, and let it melt for about 5 minutes.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, dish out the pasta onto plates or into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful Cajun chicken pasta!
Bon appétit! 🥳
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. If you’re short on time, you can add an extra hour to the cooking time on low, or about 20-30 minutes on high, but be sure to check that the chicken is fully cooked before serving!
What Can I Substitute for Alfredo Sauce?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the Alfredo sauce with a homemade white sauce made from milk, butter, and Parmesan cheese. Alternatively, a cheese sauce works great, or try a tomato-based sauce for a different flavor profile!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. You can add a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce if needed!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Just chop them up and add them at the same time as you add the pasta to ensure they cook through!
