Description
A comforting, creamy Cajun chicken pasta made in a slow cooker with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (any color)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz penne pasta (or another short pasta like rigatoni)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and drizzle with olive oil. Rub both sides with the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high. Add a little oil and sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until nicely browned. Transfer the chicken to the crock pot.
- Add the sliced bell pepper, sliced onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken shreds easily.
- Remove the chicken to a cutting board, shred with two forks, then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt or Cajun seasoning if needed.
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook the penne to al dente according to package instructions. Drain.
- Mix the drained pasta into the crock pot, stirring to coat. Keep on low for 15–20 minutes so the flavors meld and the pasta absorbs some sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Serve with a crisp green salad or simple roasted vegetables to balance richness. For extra texture, sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs or crushed toasted pecans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Cajun