This Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a one-pot wonder! Juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and a kick of Cajun spices all simmer together to create a tasty meal that’s super simple to make!
You just toss in the ingredients, set it, and forget it! I love how it makes dinner prep a breeze—perfect for busy days when you want something delicious without the stress! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe as they stay moist. You could use thighs instead for a richer flavor or even shrimp for a seafood twist!
Alfredo Sauce: A jar of Alfredo sauce makes this dish quick and easy. If you’re avoiding processed foods, homemade Alfredo can replace it, or you could use a creamy cheese sauce instead.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: These add a nice kick! You can substitute them with plain diced tomatoes and a dash of hot sauce for similar heat or use fire-roasted tomatoes for extra depth.
Cajun Seasoning: This is where you get that signature flavor. If you’re out, you can mix equal parts of paprika, cayenne, oregano, and thyme to achieve a similar spice profile.
Pasta: I love using penne pasta, but feel free to swap it with any pasta shape you enjoy, like rotini or farfalle. Whole grain or gluten-free options work well too!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Pasta Separately for This Recipe?
Cooking the pasta separately ensures it doesn’t absorb too much sauce and turn mushy. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Boil a large pot of salted water; this helps flavor the pasta.
- Add the uncooked pasta and cook until al dente, usually 1-2 minutes less than package directions.
- Drain the pasta but don’t rinse it; this helps the sauce cling better.
- Once the chicken and sauce are combined in the crock pot, stir in your cooked pasta for a creamy finish.
By cooking pasta separately, you’ll keep the texture just right and avoid any sogginess!
Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (16 oz) jar Alfredo sauce
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel), drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz penne or your favorite pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 4-6 hours on low (or 2-3 hours on high) for the crock pot cooking time. After cooking, you’ll need just a few more minutes to cook the pasta and let the cheese melt. Overall, it’s a simple, hands-off meal that’s perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Gather Your Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crock pot. You want them to be the base for all the delicious flavors to come!
2. Make the Sauce Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Alfredo sauce, drained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Give this mixture a good stir so everything is nicely blended.
3. Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crock pot. Make sure the chicken is well coated with that tasty sauce mix.
4. Cook It Up:
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is tender and easily shredded!
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the crock pot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Set it aside for a moment.
6. Cook the Pasta:
While the chicken is cooling down, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, then drain and set aside.
7. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken back to the crock pot and stir it into the sauce. Mix well to ensure every piece of chicken is coated!
8. Add the Pasta:
Now, add the cooked pasta into the crock pot and mix everything together until the pasta is evenly spaced throughout the chicken and sauce.
9. Sprinkle the Cheese:
Top everything with the shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese. Cover and let it melt for about 10-15 minutes on low heat.
10. Serve It Up:
Once the cheese is melted and the dish is bubbly, garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions if you like, then serve warm. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful Cajun chicken pasta made easy in the crock pot!
FAQs for Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just increase the cooking time to about 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high to ensure they cook all the way through. Make sure to check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! To amp up the heat, you can add more Cajun seasoning or include a pinch of cayenne pepper in the sauce mixture. Additionally, using spicy diced tomatoes with green chilies will add some extra kick!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Cajun chicken pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes! Feel free to stir in some veggies like bell peppers, onions, or spinach to the crock pot with the chicken and sauce mixture. This adds flavor, texture, and more nutrients to your dish!
