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Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe Easy Perfect Weeknight Dinner

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A flavorful and creamy slow-cooked Cajun chicken pasta that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This easy crock pot recipe combines tender chicken, Cajun spices, and pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained slightly
  • 1 cup chicken broth, preferably low sodium
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts or thighs. Dice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic cloves.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic for the last minute until fragrant.
  3. Rub the chicken evenly with the Cajun seasoning, coating all sides.
  4. Place the chicken pieces at the bottom of the crock pot. Spoon the sautéed veggies on top, then add the drained diced tomatoes.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth gently so as not to disturb the seasoning.
  6. Cover and cook on low heat for 3.5 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender.
  7. Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and stir gently.
  8. Stir in the dry pasta and softened cream cheese evenly. Cover and cook for another 30 minutes on low, stirring halfway through to prevent sticking.
  9. Once the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy, season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

Sautéing the aromatics enhances flavor but can be skipped if short on time. Add pasta towards the end to prevent mushiness. Use softened cream cheese for a smooth sauce. Stir occasionally after adding pasta to avoid sticking. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk. Leftovers reheat well with added liquid. Frozen chicken can be used but increase cooking time by 1 hour.

Nutrition

Keywords: Crock pot, Cajun chicken pasta, slow cooker pasta, easy weeknight dinner, creamy Cajun pasta, one pot meal

Find it online: https://nadinetable.com/crock-pot-cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-perfect-weeknight-dinner/