Name: Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Cuisine: Cajun-American
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds chicken breasts 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 small onion, chopped 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup chicken broth 12 ounces penne pasta; 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese Salt and black pepper to taste 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

I absolutely love making this Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, especially on those busy weekdays when I want something comforting without a lot of fuss. There’s just something magical about letting the slow cooker do all the work while the rich Cajun flavors meld together into a sauce that’s creamy, bold, and full of soul. The chicken comes out tender and juicy, soaking in every ounce of that spicy, savory seasoning, and the pasta catches just enough of that creamy sauce in every bite.

What I enjoy most about this recipe is how customizable and forgiving it is. You can adjust the spice level, change up the pasta type, or throw in a few extra ingredients like spinach or bell peppers without messing it up. It’s a reliable go-to dish that always delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Plus, it’s the kind of meal that gets everyone around the table quickly—no coaxing needed.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

It’s packed with bold Cajun flavor balanced by a luscious creamy sauce.
Everything cooks together in the crock pot—less cleanup, more ease.
The chicken stays tender and juicy from low-and-slow cooking.
Great for meal prep, and it reheats like a dream.
A guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my top choice for this dish. They cook evenly in the slow cooker and soak up the Cajun seasoning beautifully. If you prefer a richer texture, boneless thighs work well too and offer even more juiciness. Whichever you pick, just make sure the chicken is fresh and trimmed of excess fat for the best results.

Options for Substitutions

Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp or sausage for a twist.
Dairy: Use coconut cream or dairy-free cream cheese for a non-dairy version.
Pasta: Penne is classic, but rotini, rigatoni, or gluten-free options work too.
Seasoning: If Cajun is too spicy, try a milder Creole seasoning.
Veggies: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra texture and nutrition.

Ingredients for This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Chicken breasts: The base protein that absorbs all the Cajun flavors.
Cajun seasoning: Delivers the bold, smoky, and spicy character of the dish.
Garlic (minced): Enhances flavor with a rich, aromatic depth.
Onion (chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and helps round out the sauce.
Cream cheese: Gives the sauce its creamy, tangy base.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and smooth texture to the dish.
Chicken broth: Balances the sauce and keeps it from being too thick.
Penne pasta: A sturdy pasta that holds up well in the slow cooker and grabs onto the sauce.
Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds a salty, nutty finish to the creamy sauce.
Salt and black pepper: To taste, for seasoning adjustments.
Fresh parsley (chopped): For a fresh, colorful garnish.

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Generously coat your chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning on both sides. This step is key to infusing flavor right from the start. Let the seasoning sit for a few minutes while you prep the rest of your ingredients.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot

Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot. Add minced garlic and chopped onion over the chicken. Then place chunks of cream cheese on top. Pour in the chicken broth around the sides (not directly on top of the cream cheese).

Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken

Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for about 2–3 hours. The chicken should be fork-tender and easy to shred.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Stir

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir well so it mixes into the creamy base.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta Separately

While the chicken is cooking, boil your penne pasta on the stove according to the package directions. Drain and set aside until the sauce is ready.

Step 6: Add Heavy Cream and Parmesan

About 30 minutes before serving, pour in the heavy cream and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Let it continue cooking on low so the sauce can thicken slightly and all the flavors blend.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Finally, stir the cooked pasta into the crock pot. Make sure every piece is coated with the rich, creamy sauce. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to soak up the flavor before serving.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy a bowl of creamy, spicy, comforting pasta.

How Long to Prepare Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Prep Time

It usually takes about 15–20 minutes to prepare everything before cooking. That includes seasoning the chicken, chopping the onions and garlic, measuring the cream cheese and broth, and getting your slow cooker set up.

Cook Time

If you’re cooking on low, plan for 4 to 5 hours. On high, it’ll take about 2 to 3 hours. Don’t forget you’ll also need 10–12 minutes to boil the pasta separately before adding it in at the end.

Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Let the Cajun seasoning sit on the chicken for 5–10 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor.
Cut cream cheese into chunks so it melts more evenly into the sauce.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, creamier texture.
Add the pasta just before serving to prevent it from getting soggy.
Stir everything well after shredding the chicken to make sure the sauce is evenly distributed.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the chicken: It can get stringy if left too long, even in the slow cooker.
Adding pasta too early: This will make it mushy. Always cook and add it at the end.
Pouring broth over cream cheese: Can make the cheese separate. Pour broth around the sides.
Skipping the stir: Not mixing the shredded chicken well can leave uneven flavor.
Using pre-shredded cheese: It doesn’t melt as smoothly and can affect the sauce texture.

What to Serve With Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?

1. Garlic Bread

A crispy slice of garlic bread is perfect for scooping up that creamy sauce.

2. Green Salad

A simple green salad with vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the dish.

3. Roasted Broccoli

Adds a crunchy, roasted bite that pairs well with the creamy pasta.

4. Grilled Asparagus

Its slightly charred flavor complements the Cajun spices beautifully.

5. Cornbread Muffins

For a Southern-inspired twist, serve with sweet cornbread muffins.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Reheating

Reheat in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

Freezing

While the pasta may not freeze well, you can freeze the chicken and sauce without the pasta for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and mix with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

Estimated Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 520 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 115mg
Sodium: 780mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of Cajun seasoning should I use?

Any store-bought Cajun seasoning blend works, but check the label—some are saltier than others. You can also make your own at home for better control over spice levels.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, but they may release extra water. It’s best to thaw them first for more consistent texture and flavor.

Is it okay to add veggies like spinach or bell pepper?

Absolutely! Add them during the last 30–45 minutes of cooking to keep them from getting too soft.

Can I make this dish without cream cheese?

You can substitute with heavy cream alone or use a dairy-free cream alternative, but the sauce may be slightly less thick.

How spicy is this dish?

It depends on your Cajun seasoning. If you’re spice-sensitive, use a mild version or cut the quantity in half.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a cozy, flavor-packed meal that combines spicy Cajun heat with creamy comfort. It’s the kind of dinner that takes care of itself while you’re busy with your day, and it always delivers on taste. With the option to tweak ingredients and spice levels, it’s endlessly customizable and sure to become a family favorite in your weekly rotation.