Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that brings a little southern spice right to your dinner table. Imagine tender chicken slow-cooked with Cajun seasonings, mixed with pasta and a rich, cheesy sauce that melts in your mouth. The slow cooker does all the work, letting those bold flavors develop over time, making it perfect for busy days when you still want something tasty.
I love making this recipe when I want something comforting but with a bit of a kick. The Cajun spices give it just the right amount of heat without overpowering the creamy sauce. Plus, it’s so easy to throw everything into the crock pot and let it do its thing. I usually add a sprinkle of extra cheese and fresh parsley just before serving—it makes the dish look as good as it tastes!
This pasta is great as a cozy weeknight meal or when friends come over for a casual dinner. I find it pairs well with a simple green salad or some garlic bread on the side. It’s the kind of recipe that always leaves everyone asking for seconds, and I love how it warms up well if you have leftovers the next day. It’s definitely become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want something easy but full of flavor.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless work best for a tender, easy-to-shred texture. If you prefer, thighs add more flavor and stay juicy.
Cajun seasoning: This spices the dish with warmth and a little heat. You can use homemade mix or store-bought. For less spice, reduce the amount or swap for mild paprika and Italian seasoning.
Cream cheese & heavy cream: These bring the creamy, rich sauce to life. For a lighter option, try half-and-half or coconut cream, though the texture will be slightly different.
Penne pasta: Great for holding sauce in its tubes. If unavailable, other sturdy pasta shapes like rigatoni or ziti also work well.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish. Freshly grated tastes best, but pre-grated is fine too. You can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper touch or skip for dairy-free versions.
How Do You Cook Pasta Perfectly in the Crock Pot?
Pasta can get mushy if overcooked in a slow cooker, so timing and stirring matter. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Add uncooked pasta only after the chicken is cooked and sauce is creamy.
- Stir well so pasta is coated with enough liquid to cook evenly.
- Cook on high for 30-40 minutes, checking doneness around 25 minutes to prevent overcooking.
- Stir occasionally during cooking to stop sticking or clumping.
- Once tender, stir in cheese immediately to melt smoothly without drying the sauce.
Following these steps helps you avoid mushy or undercooked pasta and keeps the sauce creamy and balanced. Patience and small checks make all the difference!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 6-quart crock pot – I recommend this size to give the ingredients space to cook evenly and prevent spilling.
- Kitchen tongs or two forks – handy for shredding the cooked chicken easily.
- Wooden spoon or rubber spatula – helps stir the sauce and pasta without scratching your crock pot.
- Measuring spoons and cups – for accuracy when measuring spices, liquids, and cheese.
- Serving spoon – perfect for scooping out portions and serving.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Seafood twist: Stir in cooked shrimp or smoky sausage slices for extra flavor and protein.
- Cheese swap: Use Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack instead of Parmesan for a different cheesy profile with a little spice.
- Veggie boost: Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to include some freshness and texture.
- Heat level: Increase Cajun seasoning or add a dash of cayenne pepper if you like more spice.
Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (optional, for sautéing)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Smoked paprika (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 4 hours and 45 minutes total. You’ll need around 4 hours to slow cook the chicken on low, then about 45 minutes for adding the cream, pasta, and cooking it until tender. Most of the time is hands-off, so it’s perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season and Cook the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts well with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Place them in the bottom of your crock pot. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken, then cover and cook on low for 4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
2. Shred the Chicken and Make the Creamy Sauce:
Take the cooked chicken out and shred it using two forks. Put the shredded chicken back into the crock pot. Add softened cream cheese and heavy cream, stirring until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
3. Add Pasta and Finish Cooking:
Mix the uncooked penne pasta into the creamy sauce, coating it well. Cover and cook on high for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. Once the pasta is tender, stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly.
4. Serve:
Give everything a final taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve your Cajun chicken pasta hot, sprinkled with chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of smoked paprika for color and extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious, creamy, and spicy meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and shred easily in the crock pot.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to the point where you add the pasta, then refrigerate for up to 2 days. Add the pasta and finish cooking when you’re ready to serve.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy.
What Can I Substitute If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
Mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and black pepper to create a homemade Cajun spice blend that works great in this recipe.