Description
This Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful slow-cooked dish featuring tender chunks of Cajun-seasoned chicken simmered with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and onions in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Combined with penne pasta, it’s an effortless, comforting meal perfect for busy days and family dinners.
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
Sauce
- 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
- Season the chicken: Cube the chicken breasts and toss them with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning until they are well coated, ensuring every piece absorbs the flavor.
- Add ingredients to slow cooker: Place the seasoned chicken, minced garlic, chopped onion, and sun-dried tomatoes into the crock pot. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth to provide a flavorful base for slow cooking.
- Slow cook the chicken: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Prepare the cream sauce: Stir in 4 ounces of cream cheese and 1 cup of heavy cream into the slow cooker. Cover and cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until the sauce is creamy and smooth, blending beautifully with the chicken.
- Cook the pasta: While the sauce is finishing, cook 12 ounces of penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Combine pasta with sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese into the slow cooker. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients and coat the pasta evenly with the rich Cajun cream sauce.
- Serve: Serve the Cajun chicken pasta hot, garnished with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, herbaceous touch if desired.
Notes
- You can adjust the level of Cajun seasoning to make the dish more or less spicy according to your preference.
- Using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil will add more depth of flavor compared to dry ones; if using dry, rehydrate them before adding.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or a lower-fat alternative.
- For a thicker sauce, add more cream cheese or let the slow cooker cook uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
