Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta brings spicy southern comfort straight to your dinner table. Simmered with rich cream and bold Cajun spices, this hearty dish will satisfy your craving for a flavorful, one-pot meal you can enjoy without stress.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Pasta and Dairy:
- 12 ounces (340 g) penne pasta
- 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Cajun seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine chicken, olive oil, Cajun seasoning, minced garlic, and mixed vegetables in the crock pot, thoroughly coating ingredients with spices.
- Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the pot, creating a rich sauce base for the dish.
- Set crock pot to low temperature and slow cook for 4-5 hours until chicken becomes fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
- Carefully remove chicken from the liquid and shred using two forks, then return shredded meat back to the pot.
- Add uncooked pasta directly into the creamy sauce, gently stirring to ensure even distribution and prevent sticking.
- Continue cooking for 30-40 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent pasta from clumping and ensure even cooking.
- Once pasta reaches desired tenderness, incorporate grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and integrated.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, adjusting flavors as needed.
- Serve immediately while hot, ensuring each portion receives an equal mix of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta.
Notes
- Modify Cajun seasoning intensity by adding more or less to suit personal heat tolerance.
- Easily substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or plant-based protein for dietary variety.
- Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles to accommodate different nutritional needs.
- Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or low-fat cream for lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 545 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg