There's nothing better than coming home to the tantalizing aroma of Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta filling your kitchen. This dish is a true flavor explosion, combining the smoky heat of Cajun spices, tender chicken, and a luscious, creamy sauce that clings to every piece of pasta.
I discovered this recipe while searching for a set-it-and-forget-it dinner that didn’t skimp on bold flavors. After just one bite, it became an instant hit in our household, gracing our table on everything from busy weeknights to casual dinner parties. Let me show you how this simple recipe can bring a bit of Louisiana magic to your home.
Why You'll Love This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Get ready to fall in love with the easiest creamy pasta recipe you'll ever make. Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a lifesaver for anyone who craves rich, comforting meals but doesn’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
This recipe is a time-saver, requiring only a few minutes of prep before the slow cooker takes over. Perfect for busy days, it allows you to focus on other tasks while dinner practically cooks itself.
The Cajun spices are the star of the show, bringing a smoky, slightly spicy kick that perfectly complements the creamy sauce. Adjust the heat level to suit your family’s preferences, making it as mild or fiery as you like.
Not only is it delicious, but it’s also budget-friendly. With basic pantry ingredients and affordable proteins like chicken, you can feed your entire family without breaking the bank.
Finally, the creamy sauce is a showstopper. It coats the pasta beautifully, making every bite irresistibly satisfying. Whether it’s served straight from the pot or reheated for leftovers, this dish never fails to impress.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in its simple, flavor-packed ingredients. Each component works together to create a perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and savory elements.
Chicken is the protein of choice here. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work beautifully, but you can substitute with chicken thighs for an even juicier result. Dice them into bite-sized pieces before adding to the slow cooker.
The Cajun seasoning is what gives this dish its signature kick. Use a store-bought blend or make your own by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and oregano. Feel free to adjust the quantity to match your spice tolerance.
Heavy cream and cream cheese form the base of the luscious sauce. Together, they create a velvety texture that clings to the pasta perfectly. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half can be used, but the sauce may be slightly less rich.
Pasta brings everything together. I recommend using penne or rigatoni, as their ridges hold onto the sauce beautifully. Cook the pasta separately and stir it in just before serving to keep it perfectly al dente.
You’ll also need chicken broth to thin the sauce slightly and add depth to the flavor. Opt for low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness of the dish.
Finally, don’t forget parmesan cheese for finishing. It adds a nutty, salty flavor that enhances the creamy sauce and rounds out the dish perfectly.
How To Make This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Creating this delicious dish is as easy as it gets. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Start by placing diced chicken into your slow cooker. Sprinkle generously with Cajun seasoning, ensuring each piece is well coated. This is where the bold flavor begins, so don’t skimp on the seasoning.
Add the chicken broth and a few cubes of cream cheese to the slow cooker. The cream cheese will melt slowly during cooking, creating the base for the creamy sauce. Stir everything together briefly to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop its rich flavor.
While the sauce finishes cooking, boil your pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the slow cooker, stirring to coat each piece with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or extra chicken broth.
Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Enjoy the comforting, spicy, and creamy goodness in every bite.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers, this dish stores beautifully. Transfer any cooled pasta and sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when reheated. Store the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
When reheating, gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently. If frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce appears too thick. Once warm, toss with freshly cooked pasta for a meal that tastes just as good as the first day.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. With a few tweaks, you can tailor it to suit your preferences or use what you already have on hand.
For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers. Add the vegetables in the last hour of cooking to avoid overcooking them.
If you’re a seafood lover, shrimp makes an excellent substitute for chicken. Add the shrimp in the final 30 minutes of cooking so they don’t overcook.
Looking to up the veggie content? Stir in fresh spinach, kale, or peas just before serving. The heat of the sauce will wilt the greens and make them perfectly tender.
For a smoky twist, add diced andouille sausage along with the chicken. It brings an extra layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the Cajun spices.
Experiment with different types of pasta, like fettuccine or bowtie, for a fun change. Gluten-free pasta is also a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
With these variations, the possibilities are endless. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own!
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Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender chicken, Cajun spices, creamy sauce, and pasta for a delicious one-pot meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken, diced bell peppers, and chicken broth into the crock pot. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Remove cooked chicken and shred it using two forks.
- Stir in heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese until fully combined.
- Add uncooked pasta to the crock pot, cover, and cook on high for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender.
- Add shredded chicken back to the pot and mix well. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve warm and garnish with extra Parmesan or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use your favorite pasta type for variety.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control spiciness.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth to thin it out.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (low) or 2.5 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
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