Description
A creamy, comforting pasta tossed with tender, slow-cooked Cajun chicken, bringing bold Louisiana flavors to an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Sear in a skillet for 1–2 minutes per side if desired, then transfer to the Crock Pot.
- Add garlic and diced bell pepper to the crock pot around the chicken.
- Pour in the chicken broth, cover, and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the crock pot.
- Add heavy cream and cream cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth.
- Cook pasta separately until al dente, drain, and save 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Add cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese to the crock pot, stirring to coat. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water or chicken broth as needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
For a less spicy version, reduce the Cajun seasoning. This recipe is friendly for meal prepping and storing leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 300 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken, slow cooker, pasta, creamy sauce, weeknight dinner