Name: Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-490601H28M20S
Total time: PT-490601H28M20S
Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 8 oz cream cheese, cubed; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 12 oz penne or rotini pasta; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

When dinner needs to be comforting, flavorful, and completely satisfying, Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta delivers every single time. This Southern-inspired dish pairs the bold, smoky flavors of Cajun seasoning with tender chicken and a rich, velvety cream sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and gets rave reviews from everyone at the table.

What makes this dish even better? It cooks low and slow in the crock pot, making it a fantastic hands-off option for busy days. The chicken turns out juicy, the sauce develops deep flavor, and the pasta soaks up all that creamy goodness. Whether you’re feeding a family or planning a casual dinner with friends, this pasta has all the cozy vibes you crave.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this irresistible dish, a little prep and the right tools make everything go smoothly. Here’s what you’ll need:

Crock Pot or Slow Cooker: This is the heart of the recipe. It gently simmers the chicken with Cajun spices, allowing the flavors to deepen while keeping everything juicy and tender.

Sharp Chef’s Knife: For dicing onions, mincing garlic, and slicing chicken breasts evenly.

Cutting Board: Preferably one for meat and one for vegetables to keep things sanitary.

Mixing Bowls: Useful for tossing the chicken in seasoning and combining ingredients before adding to the slow cooker.

Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy matters, especially with bold spices like Cajun seasoning.

Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring without scratching your cookware.

Medium Saucepan (optional): If you choose to boil your pasta separately instead of adding it to the crock pot.

Colander: To drain pasta quickly without overcooking.

With these essentials in place, you’ll be fully equipped to craft a flavorful, creamy, Cajun-style pasta dinner that feels like it came from a cozy Southern kitchen.

Ingredients for the Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Let’s talk about the flavor-building ingredients that make this pasta unforgettable:

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and cook beautifully in the slow cooker. They absorb the Cajun seasoning and stay juicy.

Cajun Seasoning: This is the star of the recipe. It brings heat, smoke, and depth to the dish. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.

Garlic & Onion: These aromatic staples are sautéed and slow-cooked for a sweet and savory base.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They add a tangy, umami punch that balances the richness of the cream.

Heavy Cream: The key to that luscious, velvety sauce. It binds all the flavors together.

Cream Cheese: For added creaminess and a slight tang that thickens the sauce perfectly.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth to the creamy mixture.

Pasta (Penne or Rotini): These shapes hold onto the creamy sauce well. Cook separately and stir in before serving.

Fresh Parsley (optional): A touch of color and freshness to finish the dish.

How To Make the Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Toss the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning in a mixing bowl, coating evenly. This step ensures each bite is packed with bold flavor from the start.

Step 2: Layer the Crock Pot

Add the seasoned chicken, diced onions, minced garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes into the slow cooker. Pour in the heavy cream and scatter chunks of cream cheese on top.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2.5-3 hours. The chicken will become incredibly tender and flavorful as it simmers in the creamy sauce.

Step 4: Shred and Stir

Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks. Stir well to combine the melted cream cheese and mix everything into a cohesive, rich sauce.

Step 5: Add Cooked Pasta

Meanwhile, boil your pasta separately to al dente. Drain and add it directly into the crock pot, folding it into the creamy chicken mixture.

Step 6: Final Touches

Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted and incorporated. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color.

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This dish is best served hot, straight from the crock pot, with a sprinkle of parsley and extra Parmesan on top. Pair it with warm garlic bread or a crisp side salad to balance the richness. The creamy Cajun sauce thickens slightly as it cools, making every bite even more indulgent.

To store, transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed. This pasta also freezes well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of chicken breasts?

You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra tenderness and flavor. They hold up beautifully in slow cooking.

Is Cajun seasoning very spicy?

Cajun seasoning usually has some heat, but you can adjust it. Use a milder blend or reduce the quantity for a less spicy dish.

Can I cook the pasta in the crock pot?

Technically yes, but it’s best to cook it separately. Pasta can become too soft or mushy when slow-cooked for hours.

What kind of pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni work great—they soak up the sauce and are easy to stir in.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can try using unsweetened coconut milk and dairy-free cream cheese, but the flavor and texture will be different. It’s best enjoyed with dairy for that true creamy richness.

How do I thicken the sauce more?

Let the dish sit uncovered for 10-15 minutes before serving. You can also add a bit more cream cheese or Parmesan for a thicker consistency.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, you’ll want to try these other delicious pasta dishes from Life With Olivia:

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells for a creamy, veggie-packed meal.
One Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta when you want sweet, spicy, and smoky all in one pan.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce for ultimate weeknight comfort.
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole that’s as rich and indulgent as it sounds.
Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta if you’re in the mood for bold island flavor.

Save This Recipe for Later

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you tweak the spice levels or swap in a different protein? Maybe added mushrooms or bell peppers?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Ask questions, share your tips, and let’s make dinner magic together!

Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: Approximately 6 hours
Yield: 6 servings

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Description

This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal—rich, creamy, and full of bold Cajun flavor. Tender shredded chicken slow-cooked in a luscious cream sauce, then tossed with pasta for a dinner that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make.