Description
This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a rich sauce of heavy cream, chicken broth, butter, and Cajun seasoning, then combined with penne pasta and Parmesan cheese to create a creamy, spicy pasta meal that is comforting and delicious.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 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
Pasta
- 1 pound Penne Pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chicken breasts, heavy whipping cream, chicken broth, butter, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning into a 6-quart crock pot. This combination will serve as the flavorful base and cooking liquid for the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. This slow cooking tenderizes the chicken and infuses the sauce with bold Cajun flavors.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the crock pot and shred or dice it into large, bite-sized pieces. This allows for even distribution in the pasta.
- Mix Sauce and Pasta: Whisk the sauce remaining in the crock pot to combine well. Return the shredded chicken back into the crock pot and stir in the uncooked penne pasta, ensuring it is well submerged in the sauce for even cooking.
- Cook Pasta: Cover and cook on high for 20-30 minutes until the pasta is tender and fully cooked through, absorbing the creamy, spicy sauce.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, cover the crock pot, and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and thicken the sauce further.
- Serve: Once the cheese has melted, stir gently to combine everything evenly. Serve the creamy Cajun chicken pasta warm, garnished if desired, and enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal.
Notes
- For milder flavor, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning.
- You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rotini or rigatoni.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
- Use low-fat cream or milk for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less creamy.
- Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the sauce for even cooking in the crock pot.
- Check the pasta for doneness after 20 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
