Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Name: Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned); 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 8 oz penne pasta; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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I remember the first time I made Cajun chicken pasta. I was fresh out of college, juggling a new job and a tiny apartment kitchen. My cooking skills were limited to grilled cheese and boxed mac & cheese, but I wanted something real—something that felt homemade and hearty without being complicated. That’s when I stumbled across a slow cooker version of Cajun chicken pasta, and it changed everything. With just a bit of prep and my trusty Crock Pot, I had a creamy, spicy, flavorful dish that made me feel like a kitchen rockstar.

This easy sheet pan dinner (well, crock pot version in this case) is a lifesaver for busy folks, especially beginner cooks. It’s low-maintenance, packed with bold flavor, and lets your slow cooker do most of the work. Plus, it’s a surprisingly healthy option—loaded with lean protein, colorful veggies, and tons of Cajun spice that brings everything to life.

Why This Recipe is Special

Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect balance of comfort and convenience. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience of flavors—smoky, creamy, savory, and spicy all at once. And the best part? It’s beginner-proof. There’s no need to hover over the stove or worry about fancy techniques. If you can chop, stir, and set a timer, you’re good to go.

This recipe is ideal for:

Busy weeknights when you need a quick and healthy meal without sacrificing taste
Feeding a family or a group of friends on a budget

Experimenting with flavors like Cajun spice in a super forgiving way

Let’s break down what makes it so beginner-friendly, and how to nail it from start to finish.

Ingredients and Preparation

Chicken breast: The star protein, it becomes juicy and tender during slow cooking. You can swap this for thighs or even shrimp for a seafood twist.

Cajun seasoning: Adds the smoky, spicy flavor that defines this dish. Control the heat level by adjusting the amount.
Heavy cream: Creates that luxurious creamy sauce. For a lighter version, try half-and-half or coconut milk.
Chicken broth: Enhances the flavor and helps balance the richness of the cream.

Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness, umami, and thickens the sauce slightly. You can sub in Asiago or Romano cheese.
Diced tomatoes: Offer acidity to cut through the richness, plus a pop of color. Canned or fresh both work.
Red and green bell peppers: These add crunch, color, and a sweet-earthy balance to the spice.

Garlic: Aromatic base flavor that boosts the overall taste.
Penne pasta: Holds the sauce beautifully. Use any short pasta like rotini or rigatoni if that’s what you’ve got.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste. Always taste at the end and adjust.

Fresh parsley: For a fresh finishing touch, though totally optional.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1
Toss the chicken breast pieces with Cajun seasoning in a bowl until they’re well coated. This step ensures the flavor starts developing early and that each piece of chicken is seasoned inside and out.

Step 2
Add the seasoned chicken to your Crock Pot along with the cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, tomatoes, bell peppers, and garlic. Give it a good stir to combine everything evenly.

Step 3
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours. You’re looking for chicken that’s fork-tender and fully cooked through (no pink inside). The sauce will start to thicken and take on a rich, orange hue from the spices and tomatoes.

Step 4
Fifteen minutes before the end of cooking time, add in the dry penne pasta and stir well so it’s fully submerged in the sauce. This is key—if it’s not covered, it won’t cook properly.

Step 5
Cover again and let cook for another 15–20 minutes. Check that the pasta is al dente (tender but with a little bite) before turning off the heat.

Step 6
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and serve immediately for best results.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Too spicy? Start with half the Cajun seasoning. You can always add more at the end.
Sauce too thick? Stir in a splash of chicken broth to loosen it.

Chicken not cooked through? Let it go another 30 minutes. You can also cut the chicken smaller to cook faster.
Pasta overcooked? Be sure to add it only during the last 15–20 minutes.
No Crock Pot? You can make this on the stove using a large pot. Simmer the sauce, cook the chicken separately, and stir together with pasta at the end.

Tool tip: A slow cooker liner can save you a ton of cleanup time. Also, prep all veggies ahead of time and store them in the fridge for easy assembly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Cajun chicken pasta with:

Garlic bread: Perfect for mopping up that creamy, spicy sauce.

Side salad: Go for a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Roasted veggies: Asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli pair wonderfully.

Leftovers? Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce. This dish also freezes well—just let it cool, portion it out, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

There’s something deeply satisfying about letting a slow cooker handle dinner while you go about your day, and this lemon herb chicken recipe (with a Cajun twist) hits all the right notes: easy, flavorful, comforting, and beginner-approved. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a hungry crew, this easy sheet pan dinner–inspired Crock Pot recipe will keep you coming back for more.

If you try this quick and healthy meal, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you add mushrooms or swap in shrimp? Share your version in the comments below and help inspire other beginner cooks just getting started. Happy cooking!

FAQ About Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

1. Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, absolutely. You can cook the seasoned chicken in a large skillet over medium heat, then simmer the sauce ingredients together in the same pan. Cook the pasta separately, then combine everything at the end. While it won’t have the same slow-cooked depth, it will still be delicious.

2. Is this dish very spicy?

It has a noticeable kick, but you can easily adjust the spice level by using less Cajun seasoning or choosing a milder version. For those who love heat, adding a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes can take it up a notch.

3. Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Yes. Penne is great because it holds sauce well, but you can substitute with rotini, rigatoni, bow ties, or even gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on cooking times—softer or thinner pastas may need slightly less time in the slow cooker.

4. Can I make it dairy-free?

Definitely. Swap the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. Use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative in place of Parmesan. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will change slightly.

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