Name: Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 25 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 12 oz penne pasta; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This slow-cooker favorite delivers soulful Southern flavor with minimal fuss—tangy Cajun seasoning, tender chicken, and a velvety cream sauce tossed with penne. It’s a cozy, foolproof weeknight winner that practically cooks itself while you handle everything else. For extra background and tips, you can consult this detailed slow-cooker Cajun pasta guide which complements the steps below.

why make this recipe
If you’re tired of juggling pots and pans after a long day and want big, restaurant-style flavor without the effort, this recipe is perfect because it gives you tender, perfectly seasoned chicken and a luscious, creamy sauce with almost no hands-on time. The Crock Pot does the heavy lifting, melding spices and aromatics slowly so each bite tastes rich and comforting, and finishing with pasta tossed right in keeps cleanup easy.

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 oz penne pasta
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Prep and season the chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub both sides evenly with the Cajun seasoning, and add a pinch of salt and several turns of black pepper. The spice rub is the backbone of the dish; don’t be shy, but adjust if you prefer milder heat.
Sear for extra flavor (optional but recommended)
- Heat the tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned chicken breasts 1–2 minutes per side until lightly browned. This step isn’t required, but it adds a deeper flavor and color to the finished dish.
Build flavors in the Crock Pot
- Place the (seared or unseared) chicken breasts in the crock pot. Scatter the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper around and over the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth—this provides both cooking liquid and savory flavor. Cover the slow cooker.
Slow-cook until tender
- Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender enough to shred with two forks. Low-and-slow melds the Cajun spices into the meat and creates a flavorful base for the sauce.
Shred or slice the chicken
- Remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot and either shred them with two forks or slice them into bite-sized strips. Return the chicken to the slow cooker.
Make the creamy sauce right in the Crock Pot
- Add the heavy cream and softened cream cheese to the slow cooker. Stir thoroughly until the cream cheese melts into the liquids and becomes smooth and velvety. Let it warm gently for 10–15 minutes on low so the sauce comes together.
Cook the pasta separately
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well—overcooked pasta will become mushy when tossed with the sauce.
Combine pasta, cheese, and chicken
- Add the drained penne and the grated Parmesan cheese to the crock pot. Stir until every piece of pasta is well coated and the Parmesan has melted into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.
Finish and garnish
- Let the pasta sit in the warm crock pot for 5 minutes to absorb flavor, then stir once more and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

How long it takes (approximate)

Active prep time: 15–25 minutes (searing optional)
Slow-cooker time: 4–5 hours on low
Pasta cooking and finishing: 10–15 minutes
Total: 4.5–5.5 hours (most of that is unattended slow-cooker time)

Why each step matters

Seasoning and optional searing build foundation flavors you can’t get from slow cooking alone.
Slow-cooking ensures juicy, shreddable chicken and gives the spices time to permeate.
Melting the cream cheese into the broth creates the dish’s signature creamy texture without needing a bechamel.
Cooking pasta separately prevents the starches from over-thickening the sauce earlier in the process.

Best Way to Store Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for 2–3 months at 0°F (-18°C). Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce appears too thick. Heat to at least 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Serving Suggestions for Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Classic plating: Serve a hearty scoop of pasta in shallow bowls, sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan and chopped parsley, and offer lemon wedges for a bright contrast.
With greens: Pair the pasta with a crisp green salad (baby spinach, arugula, or a simple vinaigrette) to cut through the richness.
For a crowd: Keep the slow cooker on warm and transfer pasta to a large serving dish; provide crusty garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
Lighter sides: Steamed or roasted vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, or green beans) make great accompaniments for a balanced plate.

tips to make Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Don’t overdo the heat: If you’re unsure about spice tolerance, start with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and add more to taste after cooking.
Keep pasta al dente: Slightly undercook the penne if you expect leftovers—pasta will soften while sitting in the sauce.
Thin the sauce if needed: If the sauce tightens up after refrigeration, stir in a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth while reheating until you reach the desired consistency.
Fresh parsley matters: The bright herb finishes the dish and balances the creaminess—don’t skip it.

variation (if any)

Protein swap: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer, more forgiving meat that stays moist during slow cooking.
Spice adjustments: Replace Cajun seasoning with Creole seasoning for a slightly different flavor profile that includes more herbs and a milder heat.

Tips on technique and ingredient swaps

Dairy-free substitution: Replace heavy cream and cream cheese with full-fat coconut milk and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative; note the flavor will change.
Gluten-free option: Use your favorite gluten-free penne and ensure the Cajun seasoning has no hidden gluten-containing anti-caking agents.

FAQs
Q: How do I keep the chicken moist?
A: Cook on low and avoid overcooking—check for doneness at about 4 hours. Searing the chicken before slow cooking also helps lock in juices.

Q: Can I skip the cream cheese?
A: The cream cheese adds body and a silky texture; if you skip it, increase heavy cream to compensate and expect a thinner sauce.

Q: Is this dish freezer-friendly?
A: Yes — freeze in portioned containers for 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to preserve texture.

What if my sauce is too thin?

Simmer uncovered on low in the crock pot for 15–20 minutes to reduce and thicken, stirring occasionally, or whisk in a small slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water) and heat until thickened.

How can I make it spicier?

Stir in cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or an extra tablespoon of Cajun seasoning at the end and taste as you go.

Q: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes — use the sauté function to sear, then pressure cook the chicken with broth for 8–10 minutes and use natural release. Remove, shred, add dairy, and use the sauté mode to finish and melt cheeses before adding pasta cooked separately.

Additional notes on texture and leftovers

Pasta will absorb sauce over time, so left-overs will be thicker; add a splash of milk when reheating to refresh the sauce. If you plan to meal prep, consider storing sauce and pasta separately to preserve texture.

Serving tips for different occasions

Weeknight dinner: Quick salad and one-pot pasta on the counter—dinner in under 30 minutes of active work.
Casual dinner party: Serve with garlic-parmesan bread, place bowls on the table family-style, and offer hot sauce for guests who want more heat.
Meal prep: Divide into single-serving containers for grab-and-go lunches; add a small container of greens to finish if desired.

Safety and ingredient notes

If using frozen chicken, thaw completely before slow cooking to ensure even cooking and safe internal temperature.
Always ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature before serving.

Extra cooking tweaks for aficionados

Add depth: Stir in 1–2 teaspoons smoked paprika when adding the cream cheese to evoke smoky undertones.
Vegetables: For a heartier skillet, add chopped spinach or sliced mushrooms in the last 30 minutes of cooking so they don’t get too soft.
Cheese boost: Substitute half of the Parmesan with Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a bolder flavor.

Q&A (quick answers)
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken in the crock pot?
A: Yes. Add shredded rotisserie chicken when you add the cream to warm through; you’ll save time but lose some slow-cooked depth.

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Prepare through step 6, cool, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Reheat and add cooked pasta just before serving.

Q: How can I reduce calories?
A: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and a reduced-fat cream cheese; note the sauce will be less rich but still tasty.

Final plating ideas

Add a final flourish of lemon zest for brightness and extra chopped herbs (chives or basil) for complexity. Serve with rustic bread to mop up every last drop.

Conclusion

This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a reliable, flavorful crowd-pleaser that balances convenience with comforting Southern-inspired spices—perfect for busy evenings or casual entertaining. For a slightly different approach and a reference recipe, see Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe Made Easy – Eating on a Dime, and for another popular variation and community tips, check out Crockpot Cajun Chicken Pasta – Peanut Blossom.