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This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food loaded with bold flavor and plenty of creamy goodness. Every bite has a kick from Cajun seasoning and a luscious texture thanks to slow-cooked chicken and rich sauce. When you want something cozy that practically cooks itself this one-pot meal answers all cravings.
My family asked for this after a busy soccer night and it saved the day with almost no mess Leftovers did not last long in my house
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: create a tender protein base Choose fresh breasts without additives or excess water for best texture
- Cajun seasoning: delivers heat and depth Use a quality spice blend for the most punch
- Chicken broth: infuses juiciness and savory flavor Opt for low sodium to control salt
- Garlic: minced for sweet aroma and sharpness Fresh cloves give best results
- Onion: chopped for savory background and sweetness Look for firm heavy onions
- Red bell pepper: sliced for color and natural sweetness Select peppers with glossy skin
- Green bell pepper: sliced for a classic Cajun look and flavor Choose unwrinkled peppers
- Heavy cream: adds rich creaminess Use full-fat for the smoothest mouthfeel
- Grated Parmesan cheese: gives nutty umami and thickens the sauce Grate fresh for best melt
- Penne pasta: absorbs sauce and holds up to slow cooking Use high-quality bronze-cut for hearty bite
- Salt and pepper: balance flavors Taste at the end and adjust as needed
- Fresh parsley: chopped for brightness and herbaceous finish Use leaves only
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Chicken:
- Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts in the crock pot making sure they lie in a single layer for even cooking
- Season the Chicken:
- Sprinkle Cajun seasoning evenly over the chicken so every bit gets a good coating
- Add Broth and Vegetables:
- Pour in chicken broth then add minced garlic chopped onion and sliced bell peppers allowing them to surround the chicken
- Start Slow Cooking:
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for six hours or high for three to four hours until the chicken is tender and shreds easily
- Shred the Chicken:
- Carefully remove the chicken and use two forks to shred it into bite-size pieces so it mixes well with the sauce later
- Return Chicken to Pot:
- Transfer the shredded chicken back into the cooking liquid and veggies to soak up all the flavor
- Stir in Cream and Pasta:
- Add heavy cream grated Parmesan and uncooked penne to the crock pot Lightly stir everything together so the pasta is submerged
- Cook Until Pasta is Tender:
- Cover and cook on high for another thirty minutes or until the pasta is just tender Stir once halfway through if you can
- Finish the Sauce:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste Test the sauce for consistency and adjust thickness with a quick cornstarch slurry if needed
- Garnish and Serve:
- Spoon the creamy Cajun chicken pasta into bowls and top with plenty of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color
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I remember my kids fighting over the last strand of cheese on their plates and insisting we make this again the very next week
Storage Tips
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container to keep freshness for up to three days For best results reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce Pasta will absorb a lot of liquid as it sits
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap chicken thighs for extra tenderness or use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut If Parmesan is strong for your taste try mild Asiago You can use rotini or rigatoni if penne is unavailable Gluten free pasta will work but check near end for doneness
Serving Suggestions
This pasta shines alongside crusty garlic bread or a simple arugula salad If you want more veggies stir in spinach or mushrooms during the last thirty minutes for added nutrition and flavor
Cultural Context
Cajun cuisine comes from Louisiana blending French Spanish and African influences The signature spice blend and slow-cooked comfort make it ideal for crockpot meals This dish is a modern take blending creamy Italian pasta style with Southern flair
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Commonly Asked Questions
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness. Adjust cooking time as needed for tenderness.
- → How spicy will this dish be?
The heat level depends on your Cajun seasoning. Add red pepper flakes for extra spice or reduce for mild palates.
- → Can I use a different pasta shape?
Penne holds sauce well, but rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli are tasty alternatives that soak up creamy flavors.
- → How do I thicken the sauce?
To thicken, mix cornstarch with water and stir in during the last 30 minutes of cooking until sauce reaches desired consistency.
- → What sides go well with this meal?
Garlic bread and a green salad complement this dish perfectly, balancing the richness and offering a fresh bite.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Cool completely and keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently before serving.