Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, and truth be told, it might taste even better the next day. That is how Southern flavors settle and sing. Store in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of broth.

Can I use frozen chicken?

I do not recommend adding frozen chicken directly to the crock pot. It can keep the cooker in a danger zone for too long. Thaw in the fridge first or brown small pieces quickly in a hot pan.

What pasta should I use?

Penne holds sauce well, but rigatoni, fusilli, or even a short spaghetti work fine. If you are gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free pasta and slightly undercook it before mixing to keep a good bite.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Try coconut cream or a dairy-free cream substitute, and use a vegan Parmesan alternative. The texture will differ, but the slow-cooked depth will still comfort.

The Cajun seasoning brings a warm heat, not an overbearing burn. If you want milder, start with half the seasoning and add more later. For more heat, add cayenne, hot sauce, or extra black pepper at the end.

Easy Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta 2026

Name: Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color); 1 small onion, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 8 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice); Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Description

A comforting and creamy pasta dish flavored with Cajun spices, slow-cooked to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
1 small onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

In a large bowl, place the chicken breasts and drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub into the chicken for even coating.
In a large skillet, over medium heat, lightly brown the chicken on both sides for about 2-3 minutes per side.
Remove the chicken and place it in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Add the sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and chicken broth.
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
Once the chicken is cooked thoroughly, remove it, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and toss briefly with olive oil.
Add the cooked pasta to the crock pot, stir well to combine. Allow to heat together in the crock pot for another 15-20 minutes on low.
Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Use real butter for extra flavor. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning for a milder taste and add more later if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 240 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 105mg