Description
This Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, creamy dish that combines tender Cajun-seasoned chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and a rich, cheesy sauce. Slow-cooked to perfection, it simplifies dinner preparation while delivering a comforting and savory meal ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1.5 pounds chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Liquids and Dairy
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Garnish
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cube the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and toss them thoroughly with the Cajun seasoning to ensure even coating and flavor infusion.
- Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Place the seasoned chicken, minced garlic, chopped onion, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the crock pot. Pour in the chicken broth over these ingredients.
- Cook the chicken: Cover and cook on the low setting for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Add cream cheese and heavy cream: Stir in the cream cheese and heavy cream thoroughly into the slow cooker. Cover and continue cooking for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Cook pasta: While the sauce finishes, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Combine pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese into the slow cooker. Stir well to combine everything and to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the pasta into serving dishes and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if using. Serve hot for a deliciously comforting meal.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste if you prefer less or more heat.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Use fresh parsley garnish for added color and freshness.
- Sun-dried tomatoes can be substituted with roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile.
- The pasta should be al dente before adding to the slow cooker to prevent overcooking.
