When life gets hectic, finding easy weeknight dinners that deliver on flavor and comfort without a ton of fuss is a game changer. Enter this Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta—a creamy, spicy, and utterly satisfying dish that brings the bold, vibrant flavors of Louisiana right to your table with minimal effort. This one-pot wonder is perfect for anyone craving healthy comfort food that’s rich, hearty, and packed with protein. Whether you’re cooking for the family or prepping meals for the week, this recipe fits beautifully into meal prep microwave lunches and high protein ready made meals plans.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Set it and forget it! This recipe uses your slow cooker to tenderize juicy chicken breasts in a robust Cajun-spiced sauce while blending in fresh veggies and savory tomatoes. The creamy finish from cream cheese and heavy cream makes every bite comforting and indulgent, without overwhelming your schedule.
Perfectly suited for busy weeknights, this dish requires just a handful of prep steps, freeing you up to relax or tend to other tasks. Plus, you can adjust the spice level easily, making it family-friendly or fiery enough for spice lovers. And if you’re following a keto meal plan or high protein keto meal plan, it’s easy to swap out pasta for low-carb noodles like zucchini spirals.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
What sets this recipe apart is how it balances deep Cajun flavors with creamy textures in a fuss-free slow cooker dish. The combination of bell peppers, garlic, and onion creates a fresh, aromatic base while the Cajun seasoning adds that signature kick. The slow cooking method lets the chicken soak up all those vibrant spices, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Adding cream cheese and heavy cream at the end transforms the savory broth into a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta you stir in later. This creates a hearty, high macro meal that’s as delicious as it is satisfying. The versatility is unbeatable—you can easily swap in shrimp or sausage, make it gluten-free, or lighten it up with half-and-half.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It Step-by-Step
- Rub the Cajun seasoning evenly over the chicken breasts to coat well.
- Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker, then add sliced bell peppers, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Give it a gentle stir.
- Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 2.5–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks or slice it as preferred, then return it to the slow cooker.
- Add cream cheese and heavy cream to the slow cooker, stirring until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- While the sauce is finishing, cook the pasta separately according to package instructions. Drain well.
- Stir the cooked pasta into the slow cooker along with grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 5–10 minutes to let the sauce thicken and coat the pasta beautifully.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for Best Results
- Use freshly ground Cajun seasoning or adjust store-bought blends for saltiness to suit your palate.
- Cook pasta just until al dente before adding; overcooking pasta in the slow cooker can lead to mushiness.
- If you want a creamier, cheesier finish, sprinkle extra Parmesan or stir in shredded mozzarella just before serving.
- Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick, perfect for easy high protein high calorie meals.
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream and cream cheese for half-and-half or use reduced-fat cream cheese.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option—just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Swap penne or rotini for gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini to fit a low-carb or keto meal plan.
- Add shrimp during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a seafood twist that works well with Cajun spices.
- Incorporate mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies and nutrients.
- Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut milk as alternatives for a dairy-free version, though flavors will vary.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy Cajun chicken pasta as a hearty main course alongside simple sides like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. For a high protein high carb low fat meals style dinner, pair with steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice. This meal also shines as part of healthy meal plans for two or family dinners where ease and flavor matter most.
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
Pair with a chilled glass of crisp white wine or a citrusy iced tea to balance the spicy richness. Sides like garlic bread, roasted asparagus, or a fresh tomato salad complement the bold flavors perfectly. For a casual twist, serve with tortilla chips and guacamole for a Cajun-inspired spread.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works well for quick meals—just stir halfway through heating. Freeze the sauce and chicken (without pasta) for up to 2 months; thaw overnight and cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
This recipe is ideal for meal prep! Assemble all ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerate. Cook the next day as usual for a no-fuss dinner. Freeze cooked shredded chicken and sauce separately to extend shelf life and add fresh-cooked pasta at mealtime for the best texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid cooking pasta in the slow cooker from the start; it will become mushy and soak up too much sauce.
- Don’t skip seasoning the chicken thoroughly; Cajun seasoning is the heart of this dish.
- Overcooking can dry out chicken—monitor your slow cooker settings and times carefully.
- Using low-quality cream cheese or dairy can affect sauce texture—opt for full-fat versions for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen chicken in the crock pot?
It’s safer to thaw chicken before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.
What pasta types work best?
Short, sturdy pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni holds the sauce well and works perfectly.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes! Add more or less Cajun seasoning, cayenne, or jalapeños based on your heat preference.
Can I use other proteins?
Sausage or shrimp work well—add shrimp near the end to avoid overcooking.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Try dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and coconut milk, though flavors will differ.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- Slow cooker (crock pot)
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Knife and cutting board
- Forks for shredding chicken
- Saucepan for cooking pasta
This Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a winner for ready meals for two, healthy boxed meals, and best dinner prep meals that bring bold flavor without fuss.
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Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced green bell pepper
- 1 small onion, sliced onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste salt and pepper
- for garnish fresh parsley
Instructions
- Rub Cajun seasoning evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Place chicken, bell peppers, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth in the slow cooker. Stir gently.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2.5-3 hours, until chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken from the slow cooker, shred or slice it, then return it to the pot.
- Add cream cheese and heavy cream to the slow cooker. Stir until melted and well combined.
- Cook pasta separately according to package instructions. Drain well.
- Stir cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese into the slow cooker. Cook an additional 5-10 minutes to thicken sauce slightly.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
