Description
A rich, creamy, and slightly spicy Cajun chicken pasta made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Tender chicken, savory sausage, and a luscious creamy sauce come together with pasta for a comforting, one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (serves 4–6)
For the Chicken & Sauce:
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt & black pepper, to taste
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
4 oz (115g) cream cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 small onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz (225g) uncooked penne or rotini pasta
Optional Add-ins:
½ lb (225g) smoked sausage, sliced
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Red pepper flakes, for extra heat
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Chicken & Veggies
In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Rub seasoning evenly over chicken breasts.
Place chicken, bell pepper, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
Step 2: Add Liquids & Cook
Pour chicken broth over ingredients.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until chicken is tender.
Step 3: Make It Creamy
Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return to the slow cooker.
Stir in cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan until sauce is smooth.
Optional: Add sliced sausage at this stage.
Step 4: Add Pasta
Add uncooked pasta and stir.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan.
Serve hot and enjoy a creamy, spicy comfort meal!
Notes
- Pasta Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Slimming Version: Use light cream or Greek yogurt and whole wheat pasta.
- Make Ahead: Cook chicken and sauce earlier, add pasta just before serving.
- Spice Level: Adjust cayenne or paprika for milder or hotter flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–5 hours (LOW) or 2–3 hours (HIGH)
- Category: Main Course / Slow Cooker
- Method: Crock Pot / Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American / Cajun
