Whenever I’m craving something bold, creamy, and comforting, this Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta never lets me down.
It’s packed with juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a rich Cajun-spiced cream sauce that simmers perfectly in the slow cooker.
It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent—but takes almost no effort to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bold Cajun flavor with creamy, cheesy comfort
All-in-one crock pot meal—no extra pots needed
Pasta cooks right in the sauce, saving time
Minimal prep, just dump and go
Feeds a crowd or makes amazing leftovers
Perfect balance of spice and creaminess
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Chicken breasts – Boneless and skinless, cooked low and slow
Heavy whipping cream – Adds rich, velvety texture
Chicken broth – Thins out the sauce while boosting flavor
Butter – For depth and richness
Cajun seasoning – Spicy, smoky, and flavorful
Garlic powder – A simple flavor boost
Penne pasta – Holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully
Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for a savory finish
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use your favorite Cajun seasoning blend—or adjust heat to taste
Shred the chicken roughly for more texture in every bite
Don’t overcook the pasta—check it after 20 minutes
Stir the pasta halfway through for even cooking
Want extra veggies? Add chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes before serving
How to Make Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Add the Base Ingredients
Place the chicken breasts, heavy cream, chicken broth, butter, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning into your slow cooker.
Stir gently to combine.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
Step 4: Stir the Sauce and Add Pasta
Whisk the sauce in the crock pot until smooth.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir in the uncooked penne pasta.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Cover and cook on high for another 20–30 minutes, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cover for another 5 minutes, allowing it to melt into the sauce.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the pasta into bowls while warm and creamy—then dig in!
What to Serve It With
Garlic bread for dipping into the sauce
Simple green salad with vinaigrette
Steamed broccoli or green beans for a veggie boost
Chilled white wine or sparkling lemonade
Variations / Substitutions
Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness
Swap pasta types – try rotini, rigatoni, or shells
Make it spicier by adding cayenne or red pepper flakes
Go dairy-free with plant-based cream and cheese alternatives
Add veggies – spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers work great
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days
Reheat: Add a splash of broth or cream and microwave gently
Freezer: Not recommended with cream sauces—they may separate
Meal prep: Portion into containers for easy heat-and-eat lunches
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Any short pasta like rotini or shells will work well in this creamy sauce.
How spicy is this dish?
It depends on your Cajun seasoning. You can tone it down or kick it up as you like.
Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can simmer everything on the stovetop—just adjust cooking times.
Will the pasta get mushy?
Not if you check it after 20 minutes and don’t overcook. Stir halfway through.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely—chopped spinach, bell peppers, or even broccoli can be added at the end.
Is it okay to use frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw chicken before using it in the slow cooker for food safety.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough and extend cook times slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is one of those meals that makes me feel like I did something special—even when I didn’t.
It’s creamy, spicy, and absolutely loaded with flavor, all from a few simple ingredients.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers every time.
Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breasts
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Add chicken, cream, broth, butter, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning to a 6-quart crock pot.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken, shred or dice, then return to the pot.
- Stir sauce, then add uncooked pasta.
- Cover and cook on high for 20–30 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and let melt for 5 minutes.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://p4pd.org/crock-pot-cajun-chicken-pasta/
Notes
- Stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor.
- If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of warm broth before serving.
