Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta: Bold, Creamy & Easy

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Here’s the thing: Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect recipe for busy evenings when you want rich flavor but don’t feel like fussing in the kitchen. It’s creamy. It’s spicy. It practically cooks itself—a total lifesaver for hectic weeknights.

Start this dish before work or errands, come home, and bam—buffet‑worthy dinner with zero stress.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Budget-friendly and wholesome comfort food
Set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker magic
Rich, smoky flavor meets creamy, cheesy sauce

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken breasts — lean and tender, they cook beautifully in the crock pot
Cajun seasoning — smokey and bold, brings a touch of heat
Heavy whipping cream — turns the sauce ultra-rich
Chicken broth — keeps everything moist and flavorful
Parmesan cheese — salty and nutty, melts seamlessly
Penne pasta — perfect for trapping creamy sauce in every bite

Find all ingredient quantities and nutrition information in the recipe card.

How To Make Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Layer the flavorful base:
In your trusty 6‑quart crock pot, place the chicken breasts right in the bottom. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and chicken broth—this duo forms the rich, creamy base that the whole dish will soak up. Add the butter (hello, richness!), a sprinkle of garlic powder, and your Cajun seasoning. Feel free to adjust the Cajun seasoning depending on your family’s spice level. Give everything a gentle stir, cover it up, and let the slow cooker do its thing.
Let the slow cooker work its magic:
Set it to LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, depending on your schedule. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fork-tender and practically falling apart. Your kitchen will start to smell like a cozy New Orleans kitchen—smoky, creamy, and totally irresistible.
Shred the chicken:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, take it out and place it on a plate or cutting board. Use two forks to shred it (or dice it if you prefer chunkier bites). Then, toss it back into the sauce in the crock pot. The shredded chicken will soak up all that spicy, creamy flavor beautifully.
Time to add the pasta:
Stir in the uncooked penne pasta directly into the crock pot. Yep—no need to boil water or dirty another pan! Just give it a good stir to coat the pasta in the sauce. Set your crock pot to HIGH and cook for another 20–30 minutes. Make sure to stir once halfway through so the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom. Keep an eye on it—the pasta should be tender but not mushy.
Cheesy finish:
Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Stir it through the creamy chicken pasta until it melts and turns the sauce into a silky, cheesy dream. Cover the lid again and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This gives the cheese a chance to melt fully and the flavors to mingle even more.
And just like that, dinner’s done. One pot, no stress, and tons of flavor.

Helpful Tips & Tricks

Too thick sauce? Add a splash more broth for creaminess.
Want more heat? Add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne.
Dairy-free version? Swap heavy cream and Parmesan for plant-based alternatives—just adjust seasonings.
Even cooking: Stir once during pasta time so all noodles cook evenly and soak up that sauce.

A Little Kitchen Story

One weekend, my schedule looked like a chaotic domino chain—kids’ sports, corporate Zooms, grocery runs. I tossed everything into the crock pot before we sprinted out the door. When we got home, the house smelled like a southern bistro. My picky eater took one bite and snatched seconds before I could ask. That’s the kind of magic this recipe brings.

Close-up of creamy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta with penne and shredded chicken in a slow cooker, garnished with parsley. — This Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is creamy, flavorful, and slow-cooked to perfection—an easy weeknight win the whole family will love.

FAQs About Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Can I substitute the chicken?

Sure! Grilled pre-cooked chicken or even turkey breast works—just adjust cooking time so nothing overheats or dries out.

What if I don’t have heavy whipping cream?

A mix of milk and a bit of soft cheese like cream cheese can approximate the richness—just simmer until it thickens.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3–4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.

Can I freeze it?

Yes! Freeze in portions without pasta (add fresh penne when reheating). It keeps beautifully for about 1–2 months.

Cozy Dinner Inspiration

If you’re after that cozy comfort with warm spice and cheesy goodness, Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is your new go-to. It’s creamy, satisfying, and so simple you can even sneak extra veggies in if desired (think diced peppers or a handful of spinach).

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or heading out for a long day, this dish waits patiently to shine. And when dinner time rolls around? Your home smells divine, and you’ve got a warm, flavorful meal on the table.

Bring it into your routine, and let the crock pot do the work—because comfort food should feel effortless, not exhausting.

Enjoy—and here’s to more cozy nights made easy with your Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta!

More Slow Cooker Comforts to Try

If this Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta left you craving more easy, flavorful meals, you’re going to love these cozy recipes too:

For another spicy Southern favorite, try this Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya—packed with bold Creole flavor and perfect for busy weeknights.
Want something cheesy and ultra-comforting? Don’t miss this French Onion Soup Pasta—it’s the savory mashup you didn’t know you needed.
Keep the Cajun-inspired pasta party going with this fan-favorite Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Creamy, garlicky, and always a hit.
For taco night with a twist, these Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos are a must—melty cheese, tender chicken, and no stovetop drama.

Each of these recipes brings that “set it and forget it” magic we all love—so go ahead, bookmark a few for next week’s meal plan!