This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a perfect blend of rich, creamy sauce with a little spicy kick that warms you up from the inside out. Tender chicken cooked low and slow, mixed with pasta and a sauce that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with Cajun seasoning – it’s comfort food with a tasty twist.
I love how easy this recipe is to throw together, then just let your slow cooker do all the work while you go about your day. The Cajun spices add just the right amount of heat without overpowering the creamy sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser every time. I usually add extra veggies or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a bright pop of color and flavor.
The best part for me is how this dish feels so fancy but is really simple to make. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when I want something filling and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it up with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread, and you’ve got dinner that feels homemade but effortless.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: I like using boneless skinless breasts because they cook evenly and shred easily in the crock pot. You can swap for thighs if you want juicier, more flavorful meat.
Cajun seasoning: This blend gives the dish its spicy, smoky kick. If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, try a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and oregano. Adjust heat to your liking.
Pasta: Fettuccine is perfect here because the thick noodles hold the creamy sauce well. You could use linguine or even penne if you prefer a different shape.
Cheese and cream: Cream cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella make the sauce rich and velvety. For a lighter version, try half-and-half and reduce cream cheese, but expect less thickness.
How Do You Get the Creamy Sauce Just Right in the Crock Pot?
Getting the sauce creamy and smooth is key for this dish, but cream cheese can be tricky in the slow cooker. Follow these tips for success:
- Soften cream cheese beforehand to help it blend easily.
- Stir the cream cheese, heavy cream, and cheeses together on low heat in the crock pot for 5–10 minutes until melted and smooth.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it.
- Keep the crock pot on low during this step to prevent the sauce from breaking or curdling.
These simple steps ensure your sauce stays rich but silky and coats the pasta perfectly.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crock pot/slow cooker – it’s perfect for cooking the chicken low and slow while you go about your day.
- Large pot – to boil the pasta al dente before adding it to the sauce.
- Cutting board and knife – for chopping onions, garlic, and slicing chicken after cooking.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – great for stirring the creamy sauce without scratching the crock pot.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your Cajun seasoning and liquids just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shrimp for a tasty seafood twist that cooks quickly in the crock pot.
- Mix in sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms to add color, texture, and more veggies.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for an extra spicy, melty bite.
- Add a handful of fresh spinach at the end for a pop of green and extra nutrients without changing the flavor much.
Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1 tsp paprika
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 16 oz (1 lb) fettuccine pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 4-5 hours on low (or 2-3 hours on high) for the chicken to cook in the crock pot, plus 10-15 minutes to prepare the sauce and pasta. Plan for around 30 minutes before serving to cook the pasta and finish the creamy sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and rub them evenly with 1½ teaspoons of Cajun seasoning and the paprika. This adds all the smoky, spicy flavor right from the start.
2. Add chicken and aromatics to the crock pot:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of the crock pot. Sprinkle minced garlic and chopped onion over the top.
3. Pour broth and cook:
Pour in the chicken broth, cover, and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Prepare the pasta:
About 30 minutes before serving, cook the fettuccine in boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. Shred the chicken:
Remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it using two forks.
6. Make the creamy sauce:
Add the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, the remaining ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning, and olive oil or butter to the crock pot. Stir well over low heat until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes creamy, about 5-10 minutes.
7. Combine pasta and chicken:
Return the shredded chicken and cooked pasta to the crock pot. Mix everything together so the pasta is well coated with the creamy Cajun sauce. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve:
Dish out the creamy Cajun chicken pasta hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and a light sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning or paprika if you like.
Enjoy your warm, comforting dish with just the right amount of spice and creaminess!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Crock Pot Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it’s best to thaw them in the fridge overnight first for even cooking. Cooking from frozen may increase the cooking time and affect texture.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Definitely! Prepare the chicken and sauce in the crock pot, then refrigerate separately from the pasta. Reheat gently on the stove, then toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
Can I Substitute the Pasta with a Gluten-Free Option?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and cook it according to package instructions. Add it to the crock pot with the sauce and chicken as usual for a delicious gluten-free version.
