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Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta served in a bowl with fresh herbs

Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

A spicy, creamy, and effortless pasta dish made in the slow cooker, combining seared chicken, bell peppers, and a cheesy cream sauce for a family-friendly comfort meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 560

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for rubbing and searing
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 bell pepper 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
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream substitute: half-and-half for lighter sauce, but cook a bit longer
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated melts best
  • 8 oz penne pasta or pasta of choice; gluten-free works too
  • to taste Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the chicken dry and place it in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the spices into the chicken until well coated.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil if needed and sear the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until lightly browned.
  3. Transfer the seared chicken to the bottom of the slow cooker and scatter sliced bell pepper, sliced onion, and minced garlic evenly over the chicken.
  4. Pour in the diced tomatoes with juices and chicken broth into the slow cooker, without stirring.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, or until the chicken reaches 165°F and is easy to shred.
Finishing
  1. Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks, then return to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
  2. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan until melted and the sauce is silky. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  3. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and add to the slow cooker, stirring to coat in the sauce.
  4. Let the combined pasta and sauce heat on low for 15 to 20 minutes to meld flavors and serve garnished with fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 560kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g

Notes

For the best flavor, serve this pasta straight from the slow cooker and pair with a green salad or roasted vegetables. Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated as instructed.

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