Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a deliciously simple dish packed with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and just the right amount of Cajun spices to give it a little kick. The slow cooker does all the work, letting the flavors blend together while you relax or get other things done. It’s a great mix of creamy, spicy, and comforting all in one bowl.
I love making this when I want something that feels special but doesn’t need a lot of fuss. The chicken comes out super juicy from the slow cooking, and by the time you add the pasta and cheese, everything is perfectly cozy and rich. I always tell friends to be generous with the Cajun seasoning—it’s what makes the dish pop, but you can easily control how spicy it gets, which is handy if you’re cooking for a crowd.
My favorite way to serve this is right out of the pot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra cheese on top. It’s one of those recipes that turns weeknight dinner into a little event, and leftovers taste just as good the next day. If you want to switch things up, adding some bell peppers or onions before cooking adds a nice texture and sweetness that balances the spice nicely.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Skinless, boneless breasts work best here for tender, juicy pieces after slow cooking. If you prefer dark meat, thighs are great too and stay moist. Just adjust cooking time slightly.
Cajun Seasoning: This is the main flavor punch. You can buy a mix or make your own with paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme. For less heat, use milder paprika or reduce cayenne.
Heavy Cream & Cream Cheese: These create a rich, creamy sauce. If you want a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use reduced-fat cream cheese, but the sauce won’t be as thick.
Pasta: Penne is sturdy and holds sauce well here. You can swap for rigatoni, cavatappi, or shells. Just make sure the pasta is uncooked when added and cooks in the crock pot.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty layer to the sauce. Pecorino Romano works too if you want a stronger cheese flavor. Grate fresh cheese for best melting.
How Do You Make Sure the Pasta Cooks Perfectly in the Crock Pot?
Cooking pasta in the crock pot can be tricky—too long and it turns mushy, too short and it’s hard. Here’s how I handle it:
- Add the uncooked pasta only after shredding the chicken and mixing it back into the sauce.
- Stir the pasta into the creamy sauce well so it’s fully coated.
- Cover the crock pot and cook the pasta on high for 30-45 minutes, checking for tenderness around 30 minutes.
- Stir occasionally during this time to prevent sticking and clumps.
- If the sauce seems too thick or pasta still feels stiff near the end, adding a splash of chicken broth helps loosen it and finish cooking.
With these steps, you get pasta that’s tender but not mushy, soaking up all the delicious Cajun cream sauce flavors!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker (crock pot) – I love it because it gently cooks the chicken and keeps everything juicy and tender.
- Meat thermometer – helps you check that chicken reaches 165°F for safety.
- Mixing spoon or spatula – for stirring ingredients and mixing the pasta later.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – to season and shred the cooked chicken easily.
- Measuring cups and spoons – ensures accurate amounts of liquids and seasonings.
- Serving bowls or plates – for easy and neat presentation of the pasta.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for smoked sausage or shrimp for a different protein, adding extra flavor and texture.
- Mix in sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for more vegetables and sweetness.
- Use different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella to change the flavor profile.
- Add a splash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper if you like more heat and spice.
Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into chunks
For the Pasta:
- 16 oz penne pasta (or your favorite pasta)
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Smoked paprika (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 4 to 5 hours on low (or 2 to 3 hours on high) to cook the chicken in the crock pot. After shredding the chicken, you’ll add the pasta, which cooks for an additional 30 to 45 minutes. So, overall, counting preparation and cooking, expect about 5 hours on low or around 3 hours on high.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by rubbing your chicken breasts all over with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This gives the chicken wonderful flavor right from the start.
2. Layer Ingredients in the Crock Pot:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of your crock pot. Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream over the chicken, then add the softened cream cheese chunks. Gently stir to combine, but it’s okay if the chicken remains mostly covered by the creamy liquids.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Cover your crock pot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender when done.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot and shred them with two forks. Then, return the shredded chicken back into the crock pot, mixing it into the creamy sauce.
5. Add Pasta and Cheese:
Now stir in the uncooked penne pasta and shredded Parmesan cheese. Mix everything well so the pasta gets coated in the delicious sauce.
6. Cook the Pasta:
Cover the crock pot again and cook on high for 30 to 45 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. When the pasta is tender and has soaked up the sauce, it’s ready. If the sauce seems too thick or the pasta needs more cooking, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.
7. Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
Taste your dish and add extra salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning if you want more spice. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of smoked paprika to add a pop of color and flavor.
Enjoy your creamy, spicy, and comforting Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to thaw them fully in the fridge overnight before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking and the best texture in the final dish.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce might be less creamy and rich. Adding a bit more cream cheese can help thicken it up if needed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce if it’s thickened too much.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms sautéed beforehand can be added to the crock pot with the chicken for extra flavor and nutrition. Just keep portions moderate so the slow cooker doesn’t overflow.