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There’s something magical about slow-cooked dishes. They fill the kitchen with tantalizing aromas, and the cooking process itself seems almost effortless. When you combine this with the creamy goodness of pasta and the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine, you get the ultimate comfort food: Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta.
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This dish uses the slow cooker to perfectly tenderize chicken, allowing the flavors of Cajun seasoning, smoked sausage, and cream to meld together beautifully. The result is a rich, creamy pasta that’s both spicy and savory—great for weeknights when you want a hearty meal but don’t have the time for a lot of prep work.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy Prep, Delicious Results
Crock Pot cooking is the definition of convenience. All you need to do is toss the ingredients into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. The slow cooker takes care of the rest, resulting in tender chicken and a creamy sauce that’s perfectly seasoned with Cajun spices.
Comfort Food with a Kick
While many creamy pasta dishes can be rich and comforting, Cajun seasoning adds a welcome punch of spice and smokiness. The result is a dish that’s comforting, yet exciting, thanks to the bold flavors.
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Customizable for Any Diet
This recipe can easily be adapted to suit different dietary needs. You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta, or add more veggies like spinach or bell peppers to make it even healthier.
Family-Friendly Flavor
The heat from the Cajun seasoning can be adjusted to suit your family’s taste buds. It’s a great way to introduce your kids to a little spice without overwhelming them.
Ingredients and Substitutions
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the ability to modify ingredients based on what you have on hand. Here’s the standard list of ingredients you’ll need, with some substitution ideas.
Main Ingredients:
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Chicken Breasts:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal as they cook up tender and juicy in the slow cooker. If you prefer thighs, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead. -
Smoked Sausage:
The sausage adds a lovely smoky flavor and a bit of richness to the dish. If you want to lighten it up, you can use turkey sausage or even omit it entirely for a more straightforward chicken pasta. -
Heavy Cream:
The key to a creamy pasta is heavy cream. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk, but the sauce will not be as rich. -
Chicken Broth:
Chicken broth provides the base for the sauce. You can substitute it with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or use water, though the broth gives the sauce much more depth of flavor. -
Cajun Seasoning:
A blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme (among other spices) gives the dish its signature heat and smokiness. If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can make your own by mixing these spices or substitute with Creole seasoning for a slightly different flavor profile. -
Garlic:
Fresh garlic adds depth of flavor. You can use garlic powder as a substitute if you don’t have fresh garlic on hand. -
Cream Cheese:
This ingredient helps thicken the sauce and gives it a smooth, creamy texture. If you want a dairy-free option, you can use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. -
Pasta:
Traditional fettuccine, penne, or rotini work great. You can use any pasta you like, though longer pasta like spaghetti or linguine may not work as well in the Crock Pot due to the length.
Optional Garnishes:
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Fresh Parsley:
Chopped parsley adds a nice pop of color and a touch of freshness to balance the richness of the dish. -
Grated Parmesan Cheese:
A sprinkle of Parmesan on top just before serving takes this dish over the top.
Substitutions:
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Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken and sausage with a combination of hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also use a plant-based sausage alternative.
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Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of pasta for a lower-carb version.
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Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to control the Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Sausage
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Cut the Chicken:
Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces or leave them whole (they will shred easily in the slow cooker). If you’re using chicken thighs, you can skip the slicing and add them whole. -
Slice the Sausage:
Slice the smoked sausage into thin rounds. If you’re using turkey sausage or another alternative, slice it in the same way.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Crock Pot
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Place the Chicken and Sausage:
Add the chicken, sausage, and garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker. -
Add the Liquids:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, followed by the cream cheese (cut into cubes for easier melting). -
Season:
Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the chicken mixture. -
Stir:
Give everything a good stir to combine. This ensures that the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Dish
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Set the Slow Cooker:
Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low heat for 4–6 hours, or high heat for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. The cream cheese should melt into the sauce, creating a creamy, thick base.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
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Add the Pasta:
About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, add the uncooked pasta to the slow cooker. Stir it in and make sure it’s submerged in the sauce. If necessary, add a little more chicken broth or water to ensure the pasta has enough liquid to cook. -
Finish Cooking:
Cover and continue to cook on high for the remaining 30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy.
Step 5: Serve
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Garnish and Serve:
Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce is creamy, give it a final stir and taste for seasoning. Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. -
Enjoy:
Serve the dish hot with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Cooking Tips and Techniques
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Layering Ingredients: It’s important to layer the chicken and sausage at the bottom of the Crock Pot to ensure they cook evenly. The liquids should go in next to keep everything moist.
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Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Adding the pasta towards the end of the cooking time ensures it doesn’t overcook and become mushy. If you add it too early, it may absorb all the sauce and become dry.
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Shred the Chicken: If you prefer shredded chicken, shred the chicken breasts with two forks once they are fully cooked, then mix it back into the sauce.
Flavor Variations and Add-ins
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Vegetable Boost: Add in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to boost the veggie content and add a little extra texture.
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Extra Spice: If you love heat, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño.
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Cheese Lovers: Stir in some mozzarella or cheddar cheese during the last 15 minutes of cooking for an extra cheesy finish.
How to Choose the Best Pasta for This Dish
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Fettuccine is a classic choice for creamy pasta dishes. It has a wide surface area that holds the sauce beautifully.
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Rotini or Penne are also great options as they trap the sauce inside their spirals or tubes.
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Short Pastas work best in the slow cooker, as they cook more evenly and quickly compared to long pasta like spaghetti.
Serving Suggestions
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Garlic Bread: Serve with a warm, buttery garlic bread to mop up the creamy sauce.
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Green Salad: Pair with a simple mixed green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
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Wine Pairing: A glass of Chardonnay or a light Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy, spicy nature of the dish.
How to Store and Reheat
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Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
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Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the pasta in an airtight container for up to 2–3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
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Reheating: To reheat, microwave individual servings or reheat on the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
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Chicken: A great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
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Cream: While rich, it provides a source of healthy fats and vitamins.
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Cajun Spices: Many Cajun spices like cayenne pepper can boost metabolism and improve digestion.
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Garlic: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and heart health benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the Crock Pot. Just be sure to cook it on low for 6–8 hours, and ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the ingredients in the Crock Pot the night before, refrigerate it, and cook it the next day.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream and cream cheese with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the epitome of comfort food. With its rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and spicy Cajun kick, it’s a meal that will satisfy your cravings for something hearty and flavorful. The slow-cooked process ensures that every bite is full of deep, complex flavors, making it a must-try recipe for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy this delicious dish the next time you want an easy, crowd-pleasing meal!
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
4 hours
Total Time
4 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese (softened)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz penne or rigatoni pasta (uncooked)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts or thighs with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Place the seasoned chicken into the bottom of the Crock Pot. - Add Liquids
Pour the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (drained) over the chicken.
Place the block of cream cheese on top of the chicken. Don’t worry if it’s not fully submerged; it will melt during cooking! - Cook the Chicken
Cover and cook on low for 3.5 to 4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreddable with a fork. - Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the Crock Pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. - Make it Creamy
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let it cook for another 10–15 minutes on low to thicken up and blend the flavors. - Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta into the Crock Pot and stir until the pasta is coated in the creamy Cajun sauce. - Serve
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
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