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Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta cooks chicken slowly with peppers, onion, garlic, and Cajun seasoning before it’s tossed with penne in a smooth cream cheese and Parmesan sauce. The slow cooker keeps the chicken tender while the pasta finishes al dente.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 790
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the chicken and sauce
  • 1 yellow onion medium, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese softened and cut into cubes
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
For the pasta
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 lb penne

Equipment

  • 1 6-quart slow cooker

Method
 

Cook the chicken and sauce
  1. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to a 6-quart slow cooker.
  2. Set the chicken on top, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and black pepper, and pour the broth around the chicken.
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the thickest part of each breast reaches 165°F.
  4. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
  5. Add the cream cheese and heavy cream to the slow cooker.
  6. Cover and cook on HIGH for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cream cheese is soft enough to whisk into a smooth sauce.
Cook the pasta and finish
  1. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the kosher salt and penne, and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta.
  3. Shred the chicken and whisk the sauce smooth.
  4. Stir in the Parmesan, chicken, and pasta until evenly coated.

Notes

For a smooth sauce, whisk the softened cream cheese thoroughly before adding the Parmesan, chicken, and pasta. Refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days; freezing is possible, though the creamy sauce may change texture when thawed. Use gluten-free penne for a gluten-free option.