This Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a fun dish that’s packed with flavor! Juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and zesty spices all come together to make a delicious meal with minimal effort.
I love throwing everything into the crock pot and letting it do the work! It’s perfect for busy days when I want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. Just serve with a sprinkle of cheese! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe as they cook evenly and shred easily. If you’re looking for a quicker option, cooked rotisserie chicken can be used as a substitute. Just add it when you mix in the pasta.
Alfredo Sauce: A jar of Alfredo sauce is convenient, but you can also make your own with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use a low-fat Alfredo sauce or a cream substitute like Greek yogurt.
Cajun Seasoning: This adds a nice kick! If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can mix equal parts of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano for a homemade version. Adjust the spices to suit your taste!
Pasta: Penne is great for this dish, but other pasta shapes like rotini or fusilli will also work. Just make sure it’s a shape that can hold onto the sauce well. Make sure to check cooking times for different pasta types.
How Do You Make Sure the Pasta Doesn’t Stick Together?
Cooking pasta in the crock pot can be tricky, but here’s how to ensure it comes out perfectly! Stir the pasta about halfway through cooking to prevent it from clumping. You may also want to add a bit more liquid if it seems too dry. Follow these steps:
- Add the uncooked pasta after shredding the chicken, and make sure it’s well combined with the sauce.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 30-40 minutes. Stir well about halfway through.
- Keep an eye on the liquid level. If it appears dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the mixture creamy.
Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (16 oz) jar Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 8 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare, with a total cooking time of 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high in the crock pot. Make sure to factor in another 30-40 minutes for cooking the pasta after the chicken has been shredded!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Crock Pot:
Start by spraying the inside of your crock pot with non-stick cooking spray. This will help everything cook more easily and make for a stress-free clean-up!
2. Adding the Chicken:
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts right into the bottom of the crock pot. This is where all that delicious flavor starts!
3. Mixing the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, stir together the Alfredo sauce, heavy cream, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and onion powder. This mixture will create a creamy, flavorful sauce that will coat the chicken beautifully.
4. Pouring Over the Chicken:
Now, pour that creamy sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the crock pot. Make sure everything is nicely covered!
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the crock pot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The longer, the better—this allows all those flavors to blend!
6. Shredding the Chicken:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should pull apart easily!
7. Adding the Pasta:
Add the uncooked penne pasta directly into the crock pot with the sauce and shredded chicken. Give everything a good stir to mix well.
8. Cooking the Pasta:
Cover the crock pot again and cook on high for about 30-40 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Make sure to stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking together.
9. Mixing in the Cheese:
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until everything is melted and creamy. It should look absolutely delicious!
10. Garnishing:
Before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Dig in and enjoy your creamy, flavorful Cajun chicken pasta!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just ensure that the chicken is thawed completely for even cooking. Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the fridge or place it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. If using frozen chicken, you may need to extend the cooking time by about 30-60 minutes.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and add the chicken, then store it in the fridge for up to a day before cooking. Just assemble everything in the crock pot and follow the cooking instructions when you’re ready to eat.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if the pasta looks too dry. Give it a good stir to redisperse the sauce!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Yes! While penne pasta is great for this dish, you can substitute it with other shapes like rotini, fusilli, or even macaroni. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, ensuring the pasta cooks until tender without becoming mushy.
