Name: Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 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; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1/2 yellow onion, sliced; 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed; 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta; Fresh parsley, for garnish; Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish; Crushed red pepper flakes, for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a comforting weeknight dinner with a little Southern sass, this Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is about to become your new favorite. It’s a flavor-packed, velvety dish that pairs smoky-spicy chicken and crisp peppers with a lusciously creamy sauce, all swirled together with perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re serving a bustling family or just want to treat yourself after a long day, this easy slow cooker recipe brings together bold Cajun spices and rich cheese for a meal that tastes like a cozy hug. One bite, and you’ll see why Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a beloved classic at my kitchen table!

Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is that it pulls big, vibrant flavor from such a simple lineup. Every ingredient here plays a special role, adding color, creaminess, and kick to the final dish. Here’s what you’ll need to make it irresistibly good:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These become fall-apart tender in the slow cooker and soak up all that zesty Cajun flavor.
Cajun seasoning: A blend bursting with peppery, smoky spices—make sure to use your favorite for the best flavor punch.
Paprika: Adds a sweet-smoky depth and enhances the dish’s gorgeous color.
Garlic powder: Gives warmth and mellow savoriness—an absolute must for the sauce base.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and bringing out all the other flavors; taste and adjust as you go.
Olive oil: Helps seal in the spices on the chicken for maximum flavor while keeping it juicy.
Red bell pepper: Brings sweetness and a splash of vibrant color that looks beautiful on the plate.
Green bell pepper: Adds a touch of earthiness for that classic Cajun feel.
Yellow onion: Their natural sweetness rounds out the heat of the spices and adds body to the sauce.
Low-sodium chicken broth: The gentle foundation for the sauce—don’t skip low-sodium so you can control saltiness!
Cream cheese: The secret ingredient for outrageously creamy, dreamy texture—just cube it up for easy melting.
Shredded Parmesan cheese: For sharp, salty nuttiness that melts right into the sauce.
Penne or rotini pasta: Their shapes hold onto plenty of sauce, making every forkful creamy and satisfying.
Fresh parsley: Lively and green, it adds a burst of freshness at serving time.
Extra Parmesan cheese: The more cheese, the merrier—sprinkle it on for good measure.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, but perfect for those who love a little extra kick!

How to Make Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry, then generously rub them with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This way, every bite is full of bold, zesty flavor. If you have a few extra minutes, let the chicken marinate for 15 to 20 minutes—trust me, it makes a big difference in depth of flavor!

Step 2: Layer in the Slow Cooker

Drizzle a bit of olive oil in the slow cooker, then nestle your seasoned chicken right in. Scatter the sliced red and green bell peppers, and the onion, all around the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth to create the savory base for your sauce—everything starts melding and building flavor from here.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours—whichever fits your schedule best. This gentle, slow simmer does absolute wonders: the chicken becomes deliciously tender and the veggies transform into sweet, silky ribbons.

Step 4: Shred and Enrich

Once the chicken is ready, lift it out carefully and shred it with two forks until it’s delightfully stringy and juicy. Pop the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker, then scatter the cream cheese cubes and shredded Parmesan over the top. Stir everything together and let it cook on low for about 10 to 15 more minutes, until smooth, creamy, and impossible to resist.

Step 5: Cook and Add the Pasta

While your sauce turns gorgeously creamy, boil your pasta separately just until al dente. This step keeps the pasta perfectly textured and ensures it doesn’t get mushy in the slow cooker. Once drained, stir the pasta into the creamy chicken mixture, making sure everything is well coated.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Spoon generous helpings of Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta into bowls and finish with fresh parsley, extra cheese, and—if you’re feeling spicy—a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Dinner is served!

How to Serve Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

The perfect finishing touch for Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a generous shower of freshly chopped parsley, which adds not just freshness but also brightens the whole dish visually. I love to offer a bowl of extra Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes on the side, so everyone can customize their bowl to their tastes. Don’t skip these—you’ll be amazed how much a sprinkle can elevate each bite!

Side Dishes

This dish is so creamy and rich on its own that it truly shines with something simple alongside—think a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette, or some warm, crusty French bread to soak up any extra sauce. For a pop of color and crunch, roasted asparagus or steamed green beans make a lovely pairing too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta family-style in a big, colorful platter, garnished with parsley and lemon wedges for extra flair. If you’re feeling fancy, portion it into individual bowls with a sprinkle of scallions, or even pile it high in bread bowls for an ultra-cozy, hands-on approach that’s guaranteed to wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), scoop the pasta into airtight containers as soon as it’s cooled. The cheesy sauce can thicken up as it sits, but the flavors will meld together beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. It’s honestly even better the next day—perfect for meal prepping ahead!

Freezing

Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta freezes surprisingly well. Simply divide cooled portions into airtight freezer-friendly bags or containers—just leave a little room for expansion. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm individual servings gently in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen up the sauce as needed. Stir often and heat just until hot—overheating can make the cheese separate, and we definitely want to keep that sauce smooth and creamy!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, offering even more flavor and tenderness. Just adjust the cooking time if your pieces are particularly large—otherwise, swap them in and enjoy an even richer result.

What brand of Cajun seasoning do you recommend?

Honestly, any well-balanced Cajun seasoning will do the trick, but I personally love using Tony Chachere’s or Slap Ya Mama for bold flavor. If you want to control the salt or heat, consider making your own blend at home with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and black pepper.

Can I make Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta gluten-free?

Yes! Just grab your favorite gluten-free penne or rotini, cook as directed, and follow the rest of the recipe. Be sure to check your Cajun seasoning and broth for hidden gluten, but the rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Is it possible to add more vegetables?

Certainly—feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or even cherry tomatoes into the slow cooker with the peppers and onions. The recipe is very forgiving, and tossing in extra veggies is a great way to bulk up the dish and sneak in more color and nutrition.

How spicy is the finished dish?

The heat level all depends on your Cajun seasoning. Most blends have a nice kick, but the cream cheese and Parmesan mellow out the spice to a perfectly balanced level. If you want extra fire, sprinkle on more red pepper flakes at the end to really turn up the heat.

Final Thoughts

I can’t say enough about how soul-satisfying and easy this Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is—seriously, it’s a dish that brings people running to the table! Give it a try and don’t be surprised if it earns a permanent spot in your meal rotation. Your kitchen will smell incredible, your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll be fielding recipe requests in no time. Enjoy every creamy, spicy, joyful bite!

Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful Cajun spices, creamy cheeses, and colorful bell peppers for a comforting meal.

Instructions

Prepare the Cajun Chicken: Rub chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Optional: marinate for 15–20 minutes.
Cook the Chicken: Place seasoned chicken in slow cooker. Add sliced bell peppers, onion, and chicken broth. Cook on low 6–7 hours or high 3–4 hours.
Shred the Chicken: Remove chicken, shred with forks, then return to slow cooker.
Add the Cheese: Add cream cheese and Parmesan. Stir until melted and creamy. Cook an additional 10–15 minutes on low.
Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta separately according to package directions until al dente. Drain and stir into the slow cooker mixture.
Serve: Serve hot, garnished with parsley, extra cheese, or red pepper flakes.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Cajun