Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta
Turn up the heat on dinnertime with this Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta, a creamy and flavorful fusion of spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and al dente penne pasta. Cooked low and slow, the tender chicken is simmered to perfection with garlic, onions, and a rich, cheesy sauce made from cream cheese, Parmesan, and a touch of heavy cream. This easy one-pot meal is packed with bold flavors, thanks to the Cajun seasoning, and offers a satisfying balance of creaminess and spice. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining, this dish is a breeze to prepare and makes any dinner feel like a celebration. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and prepare for your family to ask for seconds. Optimize your mealtime with this delicious slow cooker pasta recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Season the chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning on both sides.
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden (this step adds flavor).
Place the seared chicken breasts into the slow cooker.
Add the diced red, yellow, and green bell peppers, along with the chopped onion and minced garlic, into the slow cooker.
Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged.
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
Stir in the cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese until combined and creamy.
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions for al dente. Drain and add it to the slow cooker.
Gently stir to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and mix in the chicken and vegetables.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or Cajun seasoning, as desired.
Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley, if using.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4608 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 229.1 g | 294% | |
| Saturated Fat | 121.0 g | 605% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1133 mg | 378% | |
| Sodium | 9137 mg | 397% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 300.7 g | 109% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.6 g | 84% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.4 g | ||
| Protein | 310.7 g | 621% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 1304 mg | 100% | |
| Iron | 23.1 mg | 128% | |
| Potassium | 4028 mg | 86% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
