This hearty dish combines bold Cajun spices with a rich, creamy sauce for a satisfying family meal. It is designed for simplicity, allowing the slow cooker to tenderize the chicken and cook the pasta perfectly.
List of ingredients
- 2 pounds Chicken Breasts – boneless and skinless for easy shredding.
- 2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream – provides the rich, creamy base for the sauce.
- 4 cups Chicken Broth – adds depth and ensures the pasta cooks through.
- 4 Tablespoons Butter – adds richness and helps emulsify the sauce.
- 2 Tablespoons Cajun seasoning – the primary flavor source for a spicy kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder – enhances the savory profile of the chicken.
- 1 pound Penne Pasta – sturdy pasta that holds onto the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese – adds a salty finish and thickens the consistency.
step-by-step instructions
- Combine Base Ingredients: Place 2 pounds chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot. Pour 2 cups heavy whipping cream and 4 cups chicken broth over the chicken.
- Season the Mix: Add 4 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder to the crock pot. Stir gently to combine the spices with the liquids and chicken.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Prepare the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it using two forks or dice it into large pieces.
- Integrate Pasta: Return the shredded chicken back to the crock pot. Add 1 pound penne pasta to the crock pot with the shredded chicken and stir to combine.
- Final Cook: Cover and cook on high for 20-30 minutes until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
- Finish with Cheese: Stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly mixed into the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!
Ways to Customize Your Meal
Substitute Chicken Breasts with Boneless Thighs
Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts results in a more succulent and juicy texture. Thighs are less likely to dry out during the long slow-cooking process. The cooking time remains the same, and the flavor profile is enhanced by the higher fat content.
Swap Penne for Different Pasta Shapes
While penne is ideal, you can use bowtie (farfalle) or rigatoni for a similar experience. These shapes are sturdy enough to withstand the slow cooker without becoming mushy. Avoid using very thin pastas like spaghetti, as they may overcook and break apart.
Incorporate Fresh Bell Peppers and Onions
Adding diced red and green bell peppers along with chopped onions adds color and a classic Cajun vegetable base. Stir these in at the beginning of the cooking process with the chicken. They will soften and release their natural sugars into the cream sauce.
Increase Heat with Diced Tomatoes and Chilies
For those who prefer a spicier dish, stir in a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. This adds a tangy acidity that cuts through the richness of the heavy cream. It also provides a thicker texture to the overall sauce.
Add Onion Powder for Extra Savory Depth
Adding a half teaspoon of onion powder alongside the garlic powder rounds out the aromatic profile. This creates a more balanced seasoning blend that mimics a traditional roux-based Cajun sauce. It is a simple way to increase the complexity of the flavor.
Professional Cooking Tips
Use a Hand Mixer for Effortless Shredding
Instead of using two forks, place the cooked chicken breasts in a bowl and use a handheld electric mixer on low speed. The beaters will shred the chicken into perfect pieces in seconds. This is especially helpful when preparing larger batches for a crowd.
Control Pasta Texture by Boiling Separately
If you prefer your pasta perfectly al dente, boil the penne on the stove according to package directions. Drain the pasta and stir it into the slow cooker sauce at the very end. This prevents the risk of the pasta absorbing too much liquid and becoming overdone.
Verify Internal Temperature with a Meat Thermometer
To ensure food safety and prevent overcooking, always use a digital meat thermometer. The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Removing the chicken exactly at this point preserves the moisture and tenderness.
Stir Gently to Protect Pasta Integrity
When adding the pasta and the final cheese, use a silicone spatula to stir gently. Vigorous stirring can break the cooked pasta or cause the sauce to separate. A light folding motion ensures everything is incorporated without damaging the noodles.
Ideal Serving Suggestions
Pair with Cheesy Garlic Bread
Warm, buttery garlic bread is the perfect companion for soaking up the extra creamy Cajun sauce. You can use a baguette or thick slices of Italian bread topped with melted mozzarella. The crunch of the toast contrasts well with the softness of the pasta.
Balance with a Fresh Garden Salad
Because this pasta is rich and heavy, a light side salad provides a necessary balance. Use a mix of romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing helps cleanse the palate between bites of the creamy dish.
Add a Side of Roasted Broccoli
Roasted broccoli with a squeeze of lemon juice adds a nutritional element and a bit of bitterness to the meal. Toss the florets in olive oil and salt, then roast at 400 degrees F until the edges are charred. This adds a smoky flavor that complements the Cajun seasoning.
Storage and Preservation
Store in Airtight Containers in the Refrigerator
Place leftover pasta in a sealed airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent odors from entering. The dish will stay safe to eat for up to 4 days in the fridge. The flavors often intensify overnight, making the leftovers taste even better the next day.
Avoid Freezing Cream-Based Pastas
It is not recommended to freeze this dish because the heavy cream and cheese can separate during the thawing process. This often results in a grainy texture and a broken sauce. For the best quality, consume the meal within the refrigeration window.
Reheating Methods
Microwave in Short Intervals
To reheat in the microwave, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each session. This ensures that the heat is distributed evenly and prevents hot spots or dried-out edges.
Reheat in a Skillet with a Splash of Milk
For a texture closer to the original, reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a tablespoon of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as it warms. This restores the creaminess that is often lost during refrigeration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this recipe too spicy for children?
The heat level is generally mild to moderate, but it depends on the specific brand of Cajun seasoning used. If you are cooking for children or spice-sensitive adults, you can reduce the Cajun seasoning by half. You can always stir in more seasoning at the end if more heat is desired.
Can I use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk, but the sauce will be significantly thinner and less rich. To compensate for the lack of thickness, you may need to stir in a small amount of cornstarch slurry. However, for the best consistency, heavy cream is highly recommended.
Do I need to sear the chicken before slow cooking?
Searing is not required for this recipe as the slow cooker develops plenty of flavor through the broth and cream. However, browning the chicken in a pan first can add an extra layer of caramelized flavor. If you choose to sear, do it quickly over high heat before placing the meat in the crock pot.
Which size slow cooker is best for this meal?
A 6-quart slow cooker is the ideal size for this recipe to ensure there is enough room for the liquids and pasta to circulate. If you use a smaller cooker, you may need to reduce the quantities to avoid overflow. A larger cooker will work fine, but the liquid may evaporate slightly faster.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker?
It is safer to thaw chicken breasts completely in the refrigerator before adding them to the slow cooker. Cooking frozen meat in a slow cooker can keep the chicken in the ‘danger zone’ temperature for too long, increasing the risk of bacterial growth. Thawing ensures the chicken reaches 165 degrees F in a timely manner.
How do I thicken the sauce if it is too runny?
If the sauce is too thin after cooking the pasta, let it sit uncovered for 10-15 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate. You can also stir in an extra handful of grated Parmesan cheese or a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water. Simmer on high for another 10 minutes to let the thickening agent activate.
Print
Slow Cooker Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is creamy and delicious with a little bit of heat. The Cajun flavor jazzes up this chicken dish for a great meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Chicken Breasts
- 2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 4 Tablespoons Butter
- 2 Tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 pound Penne Pasta
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 2 pounds chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot. Pour 2 cups heavy whipping cream and 4 cups chicken broth over the chicken. Add 4 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder to the crock pot. Stir gently to combine with the liquids and chicken.
- Step 2: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is cooked through (has an internal temperature of 165 degrees F).
- Step 3: Remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred or dice it into large pieces.
- Step 4: Return the shredded chicken back to the crock pot. Add 1 pound penne pasta to the crock pot with the shredded chicken. Stir to combine.
- Step 5: Cover and cook on high for 20-30 minutes until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
- Step 6: Stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly mixed into the creamy sauce.
- Step 7: Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
If you are sensitive to spice, reduce the cajun seasoning in half in this recipe. Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 465 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 133 mg