Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a cozy and tasty dish that brings a little bit of spice and a lot of comfort all in one bowl. It features tender chicken cooked slowly in Cajun spices, combined with creamy sauce and pasta to create a meal that’s both rich and full of flavor.
I love how easy this recipe is—I just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do its thing while I go about my day. The Cajun seasoning adds a nice kick without being too hot, so it’s perfect for a family dinner where everyone can enjoy it. Plus, the creamy sauce makes it feel like a special treat without much fuss.
My favorite way to serve this is with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a side of garlic bread. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, and it always gets compliments whenever I make it. I find it’s even better the next day, which makes for awesome leftovers too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: These cook nicely in the crock pot, becoming tender and easy to shred. You can swap for thighs if you prefer darker meat—it stays juicy and adds a bit more richness.
Cream cheese & heavy cream: These make the sauce smooth and creamy. For a lighter option, try half-and-half or sour cream, but the sauce may be less thick.
Cajun seasoning: This adds the signature spice and flavor. If you don’t have Cajun spice, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne to taste. Adjust the heat to your liking!
Parmesan cheese: It boosts the creaminess with a salty finish. Pecorino Romano can be used instead for a sharper bite.
Pasta: Use any pasta you like—fettuccine or spaghetti works great. Just cook it al dente as it will soften further when mixed in the slow cooker.
How Do You Keep Pasta from Getting Mushy in the Crock Pot?
Adding pasta directly to the crock pot can make it soggy fast. Here’s the best way to get perfectly cooked noodles:
- Cook pasta separately on the stove just until al dente—it should still have a slight bite.
- Drain the pasta well to remove extra water before adding it to the crock pot.
- Mix pasta into the crock pot towards the end, so it warms through without overcooking.
- If your slow cooker is extra moist, you can toss the pasta with a little olive oil to prevent sticking before mixing.
This way, your pasta stays firm and the sauce clings nicely, giving a creamy and delicious texture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker (Crock Pot) – I find it’s perfect for cooking chicken gently and letting flavors meld without much fuss.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate seasoning and liquids.
- Large pot – to cook pasta separately so it doesn’t get soggy.
- Forks or tongs – for shredding the cooked chicken easily.
- Stirring spoon – to mix everything smoothly in the crock pot.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist—it cooks quickly and pairs well with Cajun spices.
- Finish with a splash of hot sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper to boost the spice level.
- Add sautéed bell peppers and onions for more texture and vibrant flavor.
- Mix in cooked sausage slices or andouille sausage for extra smoky, hearty bites.
Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
- 8 oz uncooked pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or your choice)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil or nonstick spray (for greasing crock pot)
Time You’ll Need
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, 4 to 6 hours to cook on low (or 2 to 3 hours on high), plus 10 to 15 minutes to cook the pasta and combine everything. It’s a great hands-off meal for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crock Pot and Chicken:
Lightly grease the inside of your crock pot with olive oil or nonstick spray. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom, and sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly over them, coating both sides well.
2. Add Garlic, Liquids, and Cream Cheese:
Add minced garlic, then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Nestle the cream cheese cubes on top of the chicken. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
3. Shred Chicken and Cook Pasta:
When the chicken is ready, remove it from the crock pot and shred using two forks. Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and stir to combine with the creamy sauce. Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Cajun seasoning if you like. Finally, add the cooked pasta and gently mix everything until heated through.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the Cajun chicken pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and a light sprinkle of smoked paprika or extra Cajun seasoning if desired. Enjoy your delicious, creamy, and flavorful meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw the chicken completely before adding it to the crock pot. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method to speed things up. This helps ensure even cooking and safety.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Absolutely! You can use half-and-half or whole milk to lighten the sauce, but it may be less creamy and thick. Adding a bit more cream cheese can help maintain creaminess when using lighter dairy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce in advance and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Cook the pasta fresh just before serving to keep it from getting mushy and toss it with the sauce and chicken when ready.