Welcome to Your New Favorite Dinner!
Hey there! If you’re looking for a cozy, mouthwatering meal that practically makes itself, you’ve landed in the right spot. This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is everything you want for a weeknight dinner: simple to put together, delicious, and packed with flavor. Plus, your slow cooker does all the hard work while you go about your day. Let’s dive in!
Nutritional Benefits
Not only is this dish super satisfying, but it also has some great nutritional perks! Chicken breasts are a fantastic source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and overall health. The diced tomatoes add a good dose of vitamins, and the heavy cream, while rich, brings in calcium and a touch of comfort. If you’re mindful of your calorie intake, you can switch the heavy cream for a lighter version or even some Greek yogurt for a yummy twist!
Adaptable Variations
- Going Low-Carb? Swap out the penne pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. You’ll still get that creamy sauce flavor without the carbs!
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or a mix of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Adjust the cooking time as needed, since veggies can cook faster than chicken.
- Spice Level: If you want to turn up the heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture before it goes into the slow cooker.
Let’s Make This Delicious Dish!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours (Low) or 2–3 hours (High)
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes – 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces of penne pasta
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and integrate into the pasta nicely.
- Crock Pot Layering: Place the chicken pieces at the bottom of the slow cooker. This is where the magic of slow cooking begins!
- Add the Pasta: Toss the uncooked penne pasta right over the chicken. Don’t worry, it’ll soak up all that delicious sauce as it cooks.
- Combine Sauces: In a separate bowl, mix together the diced tomatoes (with their juices), heavy cream, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all those flavors.
- Pour Over Ingredients: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and pasta in the slow cooker, making sure everything is well combined. This is where your dish starts to come alive!
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the pasta is tender. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing—fair warning!
- Add Cheese: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt and enrich the entire dish.
- Taste and Adjust: At this point, give it a taste. Feel free to adjust the seasoning if you want a little more kick or salt.
- Serve: Remove the lid, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and enjoy! This creamy pasta is perfect for sharing—if you can resist having seconds all by yourself.
Practical Tips
- Want leftovers? This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Not a fan of cream? You can substitute with unsweetened almond milk or a non-dairy cream alternative for a lighter version!
- Enjoy this dish with a side salad or some garlic bread to soak up all that creamy goodness.
Equipment You’ll Need
- A slow cooker (Crock Pot)
- A cutting board and knife for prepping the chicken
- A mixing bowl for combining the sauce ingredients
- A spoon or spatula for mixing
- A measuring cup and spoons for portioning ingredients
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes! Just add an extra hour to the cooking time on low. It cooks beautifully!
- What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning? You can create your own by mixing paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs.
- Can I make this dish without pasta? Absolutely! You could enjoy this creamy mix over rice, quinoa, or just enjoy it as a creamy chicken dish without any grains.
- How can I make this dish spicier? Add more Cajun seasoning or throw in some slices of jalapeño to the sauce.
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, any pasta you have on hand will work, just be mindful of the cooking time!
Join the Conversation!
I hope you enjoy making this delightful Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta! It’s a perfect addition to your family dinners, and I’d love to know how it turned out for you. Feel free to share your experiences or tweaks on Pinterest! Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always smell amazing!
