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Easy & Flavorful Dinner Recipe

Easy & Flavorful Dinner Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 21 reviews

This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is an easy and flavorful dinner option combining tender, slow-cooked Cajun-spiced chicken with creamy cheese sauce, bell peppers, and pasta. Perfect for a hassle-free weeknight meal with a spicy kick and rich texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 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

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/2 yellow onion, sliced

Liquids and Dairy

  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Garnishes

  • 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish
  • Crushed red pepper flakes, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts thoroughly with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for even flavor. For extra taste, marinate the chicken for 15–20 minutes.
  2. Slow Cook Chicken and Vegetables: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers, sliced yellow onion, and pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is tender.
  3. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
  4. Add Cream Cheese and Parmesan: Stir in the cubed cream cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese into the slow cooker mixture. Mix well until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy. Let it cook for another 10–15 minutes on low heat to thicken slightly.
  5. Cook the Pasta Separately: While the sauce finishes cooking, prepare the penne or rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the slow cooker with the creamy Cajun chicken sauce. Stir well to evenly coat the pasta with the sauce and heat through for a few minutes.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy Cajun chicken pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for added spice.

Notes

  • To reduce prep time, marinating the chicken is optional but enhances flavor.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control saltiness in the dish.
  • Pasta should always be cooked separately to avoid becoming mushy in the slow cooker.
  • For a spicier dish, increase Cajun seasoning or add more crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the microwave or on the stove.
  • Substitute gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://todayquickmeals.com/easy-and-flavorful-dinner-recipe-3/