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Easy & Flavorful Dinner Recipe

Easy & Flavorful Dinner Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 28 reviews

This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a deliciously comforting and easy-to-make dinner. Featuring tender slow-cooked chicken breasts seasoned with a flavorful Cajun spice blend, combined with sautéed bell peppers and onions, then simmered in a creamy sauce of cream cheese and Parmesan. Served with perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a rich and hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 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

Vegetables and Broth

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/2 yellow onion, sliced
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Dairy and Pasta

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta

Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
  • Crushed red pepper flakes, for serving

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts thoroughly with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. For an enhanced flavor, optionally marinate the chicken for 15–20 minutes before cooking.
  2. Set Up the Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers, sliced yellow onion, and pour in the chicken broth. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  3. Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker with the vegetables and broth.
  4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Add the cubed cream cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese to the slow cooker. Stir well until the cheeses melt completely, forming a creamy and rich sauce. Let it cook for an additional 10–15 minutes on low to thicken slightly.
  5. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is finishing, cook the penne or rotini pasta separately according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
  6. Combine and Serve: Stir the drained pasta gently into the creamy Cajun chicken mixture in the slow cooker. Mix until the pasta is well coated. Serve the dish hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for added heat if desired.

Notes

  • You can marinate the chicken for extra flavor, but it’s optional.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content.
  • Pasta should be cooked al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed in the slow cooker.
  • Feel free to substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter option, but add it at the end to prevent curdling.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
  • Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove.

Nutrition

Keywords: Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta, Slow Cooker Cajun Pasta, Creamy Cajun Chicken, Easy Cajun Dinner, Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes

Find it online: https://todayquickmeals.com/easy-and-flavorful-dinner-recipe-2/