Description
Crockpot Cajun Chicken Pasta features tender, seasoned chunks of chicken in a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce with sweet bell peppers, parmesan, and pasta for the ultimate comfort meal.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning blend or substitute the spice mix from the notes below
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
1/2 cup chicken stock
2 shakes hot sauce (like Texas Pete)
1 onion, diced
2 cups mini bell peppers, sliced into rounds
2 cups heavy cream
3/4 cup parmesan cheese, divided
1 pound fettuccine pasta or your favorite long noodle
2 teaspoons dried parsley
Instructions
1. Spray the slowcooker bowl with cooking spray and place the chicken breasts inside. Sprinkle the seasoning over the chicken and turn to coat both sides.
2. Pour the chicken stock and hot sauce in and turn the chicken to coat again. Sprinkle the diced onions over the top.
3. Cover the Crockpot with the lid. Cook the chicken on HIGH for 3–4 hours or LOW for 6–7 hours.
4. About 1 hour before the chicken is finished cooking, break the whole breasts into smaller chunks. Scatter the sliced mini peppers over the top and replace the lid.
5. When the chicken is fork-tender, shred the larger chunks of meat with two forks. Pour the heavy cream over the top and stir. Cover and let it warm through while you prepare the pasta.
6. Boil the pasta according to the box directions for 2 minutes less than the lowest time listed. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid and drain the pasta.
7. Add the cooked pasta and 1/2 cup of the parmesan cheese to the chicken mixture and toss to combine. Cover and cook for at least 15 minutes so the sauce can thicken.
8. If needed, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of parmesan and dried parsley over the top before serving.
Notes
To make your own Cajun seasoning, combine: 1 1/2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp sugar, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
Don’t overcook the pasta—leave it very firm (“al dente”) before adding it to the slow cooker.
If letting the pasta rest longer than 30 minutes before serving, undercook it by another minute initially to prevent mushiness.
Great served with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 615
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 820
- Fat: 36
- Saturated Fat: 20
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 140
Keywords: Crockpot Cajun Chicken Pasta, slow cooker pasta, creamy cajun chicken, cajun comfort food