Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta is a comforting and easy pasta dish that only requires 10 minutes of preparation while your slow cooker does the rest of the work! This Cajun chicken pasta is packed with rich and vibrant flavors with tender al dente penne pasta – perfect as a hearty midweek family dinner!
Why My Recipe
- True one-pot: Protein, veg, carbs, and a creamy sauce all happen in the slow cooker.
- Hands-off time: Toss it in at lunch; dinner practically makes itself.
- Creamy with a kick: Cajun seasoning, fire-roasted tomatoes, and parmesan make the sauce rich and bold.
- Budget-friendly: Everyday ingredients, big batch, fantastic leftovers.
- Family-friendly heat: Warm and cozy; easy to dial the spice up or down.
- Weeknight reliable: Stir in pasta near the end and you’re plating in minutes.
David
I could eat pasta for days and this slow cooker Cajun pasta is no exception! Every mouthful offers a mixture of juicy pieces of chicken, sweet bell peppers, and tender penne pasta, fully coated in a rich and creamy Cajun-infused sauce, similar in level of deliciousness to this Instant Pot Taco Pasta!
Gone are the days when preparing a wholesome family meal required loads of time and attention. This slow cooker Cajun chicken pasta is here to prove that you can spend minimal time in the kitchen and still be praised by your dinner guests! Give it a try, you won't be disappointed!
WHY THIS SLOW COOKER CAJUN CHICKEN PASTA WORKS
This slow cooker Cajun chicken pasta is a one-pot recipe that allows you to prep the ingredients and get on with other daily tasks while the slow cooker works its magic, turning simple ingredients into a satisfying and wholesome meal.
This dish offers a great balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. It even includes vegetables in the form of tomatoes and peppers (not too much for the picky eaters!).
If you don't have time to watch over the cooking of your family's meal, using your trusty slow cooker is the way to go! Easily adapt this dish by using a different meat, adding your favorite veggies, and changing the type of pasta.
Ingredient Notes
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast (bite-size pieces): Cutting small means quick, even cooking and more surface area to soak up Cajun flavor. Chicken thighs work great if you want extra tenderness.
- Cajun seasoning: The flavor driver—smoky, garlicky, a little spicy. Sprinkle some on the chicken first so it seasons from the inside out, then add the rest to the pot. Choose mild or hot depending on your crowd.
- Red & yellow bell peppers (strips): Sweetness and color that balance the spice; slice a little thicker so they keep some bite after slow cooking.
- Red onion (sliced): Melts into the sauce and adds a subtle sweetness that plays well with Cajun spices.
- Garlic (minced): Blooms in the slow cooker and perfumes the whole pot; two cloves keep it friendly for everyone.
- Chicken broth (cans): Builds the base and provides the liquid the pasta needs later. Low-sodium keeps you in control; you can add more at the end if you want extra saucy bowls.
- Fire-roasted tomatoes (can): Adds gentle smokiness and acidity to brighten the richness—key for balance in creamy pasta.
- Heavy cream (divided): A portion cooks with the broth for early body, then a final splash at the end makes the sauce glossy and restaurant-silky.
- Penne pasta (12 oz, uncooked): Holds up beautifully in slow-cooked sauces and stays pleasantly al dente; rotini or ziti also work.
- Cornstarch + water (slurry): Quick thickener so the sauce clings to every bite—add with the pasta window so it activates as things finish.
- Parmesan (shredded): Melts in at the end for salty, savory depth and an extra creamy finish; freshly grated melts smoother.
COOKING TIPS
- Only add the pasta towards the end of the cooking time to ensure it doesn't overcook and turn mushy.
- You can brown the chicken pieces in the slow cooker first for added flavor, but this isn't necessary.
- If you want it spicier, please feel free to add in more cajun seasoning.
RECIPE VARIATIONS
A few easy tweaks can be made to this satisfying pasta meal. While I love this recipe as is, here are some of my recommendations:
Make it Vegetarian: You can easily use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and keep the chicken out and use a heartier style produce, such as mushrooms.
Creamy Cajun Spinach Alfredo: You can completely omit the tomatoes in the recipe. This will help balance out the acidity. Baby spinach can be added in at the last minute, since it doesn't long to cook. Use a bag of fresh baby spinach, which is approximately 7 cups of UNCOOKED baby spinach. Empty contents into slow cooker and cover with the lid for about 5 minutes. Then start stirring and folding baby spinach into pasta.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH SLOW COOKER CAJUN CHICKEN PASTA
Bread
Enjoy this Cajun chicken pasta with homemade dinner rolls, cornbread, sliced bread, or garlic bread.
Veggies or Salad
A side of grilled or roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad pairs beautifully with this pasta dish.
Storage, Make-Ahead, and Reheat
- FRIDGE: Once completely cooled, store leftover Cajun chicken pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- FREEZER: This Cajun pasta dish can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months and thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- REHEAT: Reheat single portions in the microwave or on the stovetop for larger portions with a splash of broth or cream to loosen it.
More Easy Weeknight Pasta Recipes
- Instant Pot Cheesy Chicken And Pasta
- Instant Pot Feta Pasta (TikTok Pasta)
- Penne Pasta With Sausage
- Easy Pasta Carbonara
- Homemade Hamburger Helper
Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 red pepper cut into strips
- 1 yellow pepper cut into strips
- 1 red onion sliced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 cans of chicken broth
- 1 can fire roasted tomatoes
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
- 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A sprinkle of parsley
Instructions
- 1. Add diced chicken breast to an 8 quart slow cooker, add 1/2 tbsp of cajun. Add all the peppers, onions and garlic on top and add the remaining Cajun.
2. Add in the chicken broth, tomatoes and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Cook on high for 3 hours or until the chicken is cooked.
3. About 30-40 minutes before done, add in the uncooked pasta and stir. Add the cornstarch and water mixture and stir again, put the lid back on and stir every 10 minutes until pasta is cooked.
4. Once done add in the 1/4 cup heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Stir and serve with topped parsley (optional)
Notes
David's Tips for Success
Spice level: Reduce Cajun seasoning to 1 tbsp for milder flavor.Pasta tip: For firmer texture, cook pasta separately and add before serving.
Extra creamy: Stir in 4 oz cream cheese at the end.
Meal prep: Stores well in the fridge for 3 days (add splash of broth when reheating).
Cooking Time: You can change the timing to cook on LOW heat for 4 -5 hours
Recipe FAQs
Can I use Frozen Chicken?
Yes, you can! I would add an extra hour to the cooking time.
What should I use if I don't have andouille sausage?
You can always use a good smoked kielbasa sausage to help add the smoky flavor enhancement.
How do I prevent mushy pasta?
I would set a timer for 25 minutes after you put in the uncooked pasta. Each slow cooker cooks differently.
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