Description
Learn how to make this delicious and easy Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. It’s a set-and-forget recipe that delivers tender chicken, a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta all in one pot.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz penne pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Season the Chicken: The First Layer of Flavor
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 inch in size.
- Toss with Seasoning: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning until they are evenly coated.
- Tip: Make sure each piece of chicken is well-seasoned for maximum flavor.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Building the Flavor Base
- Add Ingredients: Place the seasoned chicken, heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, and minced garlic into the crock pot.
- Tip: If you’re using canned diced tomatoes, drain them slightly before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Stir Well: Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly to ensure they are well combined. The cream and broth will create the base for your creamy sauce.
3. Slow Cook the Chicken: Achieving Tenderness and Flavor Infusion
- Cover and Cook: Cover the crock pot with its lid.
- Cooking Time:
- Low Setting: Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- High Setting: Cook on high for 2-3 hours.
- Check for Doneness: The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink inside. The longer cook time on low will result in more tender chicken.
4. Add the Pasta: Cooking to Al Dente Perfection
- Stir in Pasta: About 15 minutes before the end of the chicken’s cooking time, stir in the uncooked penne pasta.
- Submerge Pasta: Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid to ensure even cooking. You may need to press it down gently with a spoon.
- Continue Cooking: Continue to cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but still has a slight bite (“al dente”).
5. Season and Serve: The Final Touches
- Adjust Seasoning: Once the pasta is cooked, taste the dish and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference.
- Garnish: Garnish the finished dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve Warm: Serve the Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta immediately while it’s warm and the sauce is creamy.
