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Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta, a creamy and flavorful dish, is showcased in this featured image.

Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

This Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor and texture with minimal effort. By searing the chicken, incorporating cream cheese strategically, and adding uncooked pasta near the end, you'll achieve a creamy, flavorful, and perfectly textured dish every time.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 bell peppers one red, one green
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 lb penne pasta, uncooked
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker (Crock-Pot)
  • Large Skillet
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Fork
  • Spoon

Method
 

  1. Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts on both sides until lightly browned.
  3. Place chopped onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  4. Place seared chicken breasts on top of the vegetables.
  5. Pour diced tomatoes, Rotel, and chicken broth over the chicken.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until chicken is cooked through and easily shreds.
  7. Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
  8. Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.
  9. Add uncooked penne pasta to the slow cooker. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the sauce. If not, add a little more chicken broth.
  10. Cover and cook on high for 30-45 minutes, or until pasta is tender and cooked through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  11. Stir in heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  12. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For a homemade Cajun seasoning, combine paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to your liking. Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and Rotel to control the spice level. You can substitute the cream cheese with a combination of cream cheese and Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. Feel free to add other vegetables, such as sliced mushrooms or zucchini. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.