Description
Creamy, spicy Cajun chicken pasta made effortlessly in the crock pot—perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add chicken breasts seasoned with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Sear 2–3 minutes per side until just browned. Transfer to crock pot.
- Add sliced bell peppers, diced onion, garlic, diced tomatoes (with liquid), smoked paprika, and remaining Cajun seasoning to the crock pot.
- Pour in chicken broth, stir gently to combine. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until chicken is cooked through.
- About 30 minutes before serving, remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the crock pot.
- Add heavy cream and shredded mozzarella. Stir well. Break uncooked penne pasta in half and stir into mixture. Cover and cook on HIGH for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway, until pasta is tender and sauce is creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Cajun seasoning if desired.
- Serve garnished with chopped parsley and extra cheese if desired.
- Enjoy warm, creamy Cajun chicken pasta straight from the crock pot!
Notes
- Substitute half‑and‑half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Use rotisserie chicken and skip the slow‑cook step to save time—add it during the last stage with pasta.
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeño or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Make it gluten‑free by using gluten‑free pasta.
- Leftovers store well—simply reheat in the slow cooker or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.