Name: Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 10 min
Cuisine: Cajun / American
Ingredients: 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 12 ounces penne pasta; 1 tablespoon butter; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

There’s something incredibly satisfying about letting the slow cooker do all the work while you sit back and anticipate a creamy, flavorful meal. This Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta has quickly become one of my weeknight staples—especially when I want something comforting with a little kick. The combination of tender chicken, rich Cajun spices, and perfectly cooked pasta swimming in a creamy sauce is everything I want in a dinner after a long day.

I love how easy it is to throw this together in the morning and have dinner practically done by the time evening rolls around. The Cajun seasoning adds just the right amount of heat, and the creamy sauce pulls everything together in the most irresistible way. If you’re a fan of bold, savory flavors and effortless prep, you’re going to be obsessed with this dish.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

This recipe is comfort food with a spicy twist—perfect for pasta lovers who crave something a little more adventurous. The slow cooker makes the chicken incredibly tender and juicy, and the pasta absorbs all the creamy, spiced goodness. It’s a hands-off recipe that tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did. Plus, it’s super family-friendly and can easily be adjusted to fit different spice preferences.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Penne pasta is my go-to for this recipe because it holds the sauce so well and has a great bite. However, rotini or rigatoni would also work beautifully. The key is using a pasta with grooves or ridges to catch all the creamy Cajun flavor. If you’re using gluten-free pasta, just be sure to cook it separately and stir it in at the end to prevent it from breaking down.

Options for Substitutions

You can easily tailor this Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta to suit your dietary needs or what you have on hand. Swap the chicken breasts for boneless thighs if you prefer dark meat—they stay super moist. Don’t eat dairy? Use a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut cream or oat-based cream. Want to add veggies? Bell peppers or mushrooms can be added in the last hour of cooking. And for extra protein, consider adding shrimp during the final 20–30 minutes.

Ingredients for this Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for slow cooking. They soak up all the Cajun seasoning and become incredibly tender.
Cajun seasoning – This is the star of the show. A bold blend of spices gives the dish its signature smoky, spicy flavor.
Garlic – Freshly minced garlic adds a deep, savory base that enhances the richness of the sauce.
Cream cheese – It melts into the dish, making the sauce luxuriously creamy and tangy.
Heavy cream – Combined with the cream cheese, it creates a velvety texture that binds all the flavors.
Chicken broth – Adds depth and helps keep the chicken juicy during the slow cook.
Parmesan cheese – Adds nuttiness and helps thicken the sauce.
Penne pasta – A sturdy pasta that holds up well and captures the creamy sauce in every bite.
Butter – Used to sauté or finish the pasta, giving it extra richness.
Salt & pepper – For seasoning and balance.
Fresh parsley – For garnish and a pop of freshness.

Step 1: Season and Place the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning. Place them at the bottom of your slow cooker.

Step 2: Add the Garlic and Broth

Sprinkle the minced garlic over the chicken. Then pour in the chicken broth. This will keep everything moist and flavorful as it cooks.

Step 3: Cook on Low

Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Avoid opening the lid too often to keep the heat in.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is done, remove it, shred it with two forks, and return it to the crock pot.

Step 5: Stir in the Cream Cheese and Heavy Cream

Add the cream cheese and heavy cream to the shredded chicken and stir until smooth. Let it cook for another 20–30 minutes on LOW so the sauce fully melts and blends.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta Separately

While the sauce finishes, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 7: Combine Pasta with Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the crock pot. Stir gently until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy, Cajun-spiced sauce.

Step 8: Finish with Parmesan and Butter

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and a tablespoon of butter for extra richness. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to meld together.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, spicy comfort of Cajun chicken pasta.

How Long to Prepare the Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Slow Cooker Time

The beauty of this recipe lies in the low and slow method. Cooking the chicken on LOW for 4 to 6 hours ensures it stays tender and moist while absorbing all the bold Cajun flavors. This hands-off method makes it ideal for busy weekdays or lazy weekends.

Final Assembly

Once the chicken is cooked and shredded, the final steps only take about 30 to 40 minutes. This includes melting the cream cheese, incorporating the pasta, and letting the flavors blend perfectly. Overall, from start to finish, you’re looking at around 5 to 6.5 hours total.

Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Use room temperature cream cheese so it melts faster and creates a smoother sauce.
Cook pasta separately to avoid it becoming mushy in the crock pot.
Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste—some blends are saltier or spicier than others.
Don’t overcook the chicken; it should be tender but not dry. Check at the 4-hour mark.
Stir in butter and Parmesan at the end for a rich, luxurious finish.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Adding pasta too early: It can overcook and fall apart.
Using cold cream cheese straight from the fridge: It won’t melt properly and may clump.
Not seasoning chicken before cooking: The flavor won’t fully penetrate.
Overcooking on HIGH: The sauce can curdle and the chicken may dry out.
Skipping the final simmer: This step helps the sauce thicken and flavors meld.

What to Serve With Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta?

1. Garlic Bread

Crunchy on the outside and soft inside—perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.

2. Green Salad

A light, refreshing salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.

3. Roasted Broccoli

Adds a hearty veggie side with a slight char and nutty flavor.

4. Cornbread Muffins

Slightly sweet and dense, these complement the spice in the dish.

5. Sauteed Spinach

Quick, easy, and nutritious—wilts down beautifully with a touch of garlic.

Storage Instructions

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors will deepen even more by the next day.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between.

Freezing

You can freeze the pasta in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly to retain the creamy texture. Note: pasta may soften slightly after freezing.

Estimated Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups

Calories: 580
Protein: 34g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 780mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this Cajun chicken pasta?

It has a mild to moderate heat, depending on your Cajun seasoning. You can control the spice level by adding more or less seasoning.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but I recommend thawing it first for even cooking. Cooking from frozen may release excess water and dilute the flavor.

Can I make this without a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can cook the chicken in a skillet, then simmer with the cream sauce and combine with pasta.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based cream like coconut or oat. It will still be rich and satisfying.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

Add more Parmesan cheese or let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta brings the best of comfort food and bold flavors together in one effortless dish. With its creamy sauce, spicy seasoning, and tender chicken, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers on flavor and convenience. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your dinner rotation!