Description
This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta combines tender, spiced chicken with colorful bell peppers and a rich, creamy sauce simmered slowly for deep flavor. Easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it features penne pasta tossed directly in the crock pot for a deliciously cohesive dish with a Cajun kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Seasoning
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
Liquids and Dairy
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Carbohydrates
- 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
Seasonings and Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts evenly with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then quickly sear the chicken for 1–2 minutes on each side until lightly browned to develop flavor.
- Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the crock pot. Add sliced red and green bell peppers, sliced onion, minced garlic, and the undrained can of diced tomatoes with green chilies on top.
- Add Cream and Broth, Then Cook: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth over the ingredients. Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Shred or Slice Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot, shred or slice them into bite-sized pieces, then return the chicken to the crock pot, mixing it in with the vegetables and sauce.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken finishes cooking, boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Stir the cooked pasta into the crock pot mixture. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir thoroughly until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Season and Garnish: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh garnish before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the level of spice by increasing or decreasing the amount of Cajun seasoning used.
- For extra heat, crushed red pepper flakes can be added to the crock pot.
- This recipe is versatile: substitute shrimp or sausage instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
