Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Penne holds up well in slow cooker dishes, but fettuccine, bowtie, or rotini are great alternatives. Just monitor cooking time, as thinner pasta may cook faster.

Is Cajun seasoning too spicy for kids?

It depends on the brand, but generally, Cajun seasoning has a mild to medium heat. If cooking for sensitive palates, start with half the amount and adjust later.

Can I cook this recipe with frozen chicken?

Yes, you can place frozen chicken breasts directly into the slow cooker. Just increase the cook time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a plant-based butter alternative. Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free version.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 4 cups chicken broth; 4 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 1 pound penne pasta (uncooked); 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Description

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, comforting slow cooker dish that combines tender chicken, a rich garlic-parmesan cream sauce, and a spicy Cajun kick—perfect for busy nights and beginner cooks looking for a delicious, hands-off dinner solution.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups heavy whipping cream
4 cups chicken broth
4 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 pound penne pasta (uncooked)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Assemble the Base: Add the chicken breasts, heavy cream, chicken broth, butter, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning to a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir gently to combine the flavors and ensure the chicken is coated.
Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken is done when it’s tender enough to shred and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Shred and Return: Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks or a hand mixer. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir well.
Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked penne pasta directly into the slow cooker. Stir to distribute it evenly in the sauce. Cover and cook on high for 20 to 30 minutes until the pasta is tender but not mushy.
Finish with Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cover for 5 minutes to let the cheese melt and thicken the sauce slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Notes

For extra veggies, stir in diced bell peppers or spinach during the last 15 minutes of cooking. If the sauce is too thick after adding pasta, stir in a splash of broth or milk. To make it extra spicy, add red pepper flakes or a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel).

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Cajun, American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 465
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 33g
Cholesterol: 133mg