Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

If Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is calling your name, I get it. Some days you want a dinner that feels like you tried really hard… without actually trying really hard. (That’s basically my whole cooking philosophy.) This is the kind of meal that saves a Tuesday, impresses a picky eater, and makes your kitchen smell like a cozy little victory lap.

It’s creamy, a little spicy, and full of that bold Cajun flavor that makes you go back for “just one more bite” about five times. And because we’re using the slow cooker, you get maximum comfort with minimal effort. My favorite combo.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Set-it-and-forget-it energy. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting while you live your life.
• Creamy + spicy = the dream. The sauce turns velvety from heavy cream + Parmesan, with a Cajun kick that wakes up your taste buds.
• Great for busy nights. It’s hearty, filling, and feels restaurant-y without the restaurant bill.
• Leftovers actually stay good. This reheats like a champ (more on that in the FAQs).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the lineup that makes this pasta so irresistible—each one has a job, and they all show up.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean, tender, and perfect for soaking up Cajun spices.
• Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and gives the chicken a quick golden sear.
• Cajun seasoning: The star—bold, smoky, spicy, and full of Southern flavor.
• Garlic powder + onion powder: Adds deep savory flavor without fuss.
• Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smoky warmth that makes the sauce taste extra special.
• Salt + black pepper: Small but mighty—these bring everything into balance.
• Bell pepper (sliced): Sweet crunch + pretty color (because yes, we eat with our eyes too).
• Onion (thinly sliced): Softens into the sauce and adds natural sweetness.
• Fresh garlic (minced): Bright, punchy flavor that takes it over the top.
• Diced tomatoes with juices: Creates a saucy base and adds a little tang to balance the cream.
• Chicken broth: The cooking liquid that keeps everything tender and flavorful.
• Heavy cream: The creamy “ahhh” moment.
• Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty richness that melts right into the sauce.
• Penne pasta: The sauce-trapper. Every bite gets coated.
• Fresh parsley: A fresh pop at the end that makes everything taste lighter.

Refer to the recipe card below for exact ingredient measurements and full nutritional information.

How to Make Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This is the part where you feel like a dinner wizard. Follow these steps and you’ll be spooning creamy pasta happiness into bowls before you know it.

1) Season the chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle on the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub it all in well so every piece is coated.

Tip from my real life: This is the moment your hands will smell amazing and you’ll think, “Why don’t I do this more often?” Then you’ll remember: dishes.

2) Give it a quick sear

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and brown it about 2–3 minutes per side. You’re not cooking it through—just building flavor.

(And yes, you can skip this step if you’re in survival mode. But if you have 6 extra minutes, the sear adds a lot.)

3) Add chicken to the slow cooker

Transfer the browned chicken into the bottom of your slow cooker.

4) Add veggies and aromatics

Layer the sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic over the chicken. These soften beautifully and melt into the sauce.

5) Add tomatoes and broth

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and chicken broth. If there are browned bits in the skillet, scrape them in too—those little bits are pure flavor gold.

6) Slow cook until tender

Cover and cook:

• Low: 4–5 hours
• High: 2–3 hours

The chicken should be cooked through and easy to shred.

7) Shred the chicken

Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks into bite-sized pieces, then return it to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce.

This is when it starts looking like a real meal and not “ingredients having a meeting.”

8) Make it creamy

Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce turns creamy and dreamy.

9) Cook the pasta

Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente (not mushy). Drain well.

10) Combine everything

Add the hot pasta to the slow cooker and gently stir to coat. Let it sit on low for 15–20 minutes so the pasta drinks up some sauce and all the flavors become best friends.

11) Garnish and serve

Scoop into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Your house will smell like a cozy hug… with a little Cajun attitude.

Tips for the Best Creamy Cajun Pasta

• Control the heat: Cajun seasoning blends vary a lot. If you’re cooking for sensitive tongues, start lighter—you can always add more at the end.
• Keep the pasta al dente: Pasta keeps softening once it hits the sauce. Slightly firm is perfect.
• If the sauce seems too thick: Stir in a splash of chicken broth. If it seems too thin, let it sit uncovered on low a bit longer. (If your sauce looks too thick, don’t worry—it’s just extra comfort waiting to happen.)
• Don’t skip the Parmesan: It adds saltiness and richness and makes the sauce cling to the penne.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

I first made Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta during one of those weeks where every day felt like a sprint—and dinner was the finish line I did not train for. I needed something that felt comforting, but I also needed it to practically cook itself. This one delivered. It’s been in my back pocket ever since for busy nights, last-minute guests, or when I just want dinner to feel like a treat without the stress.

FAQs About Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Cozy Dinner, Zero Drama

If you’re craving something bold, creamy, and unbelievably comforting, Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the move. It’s the kind of dinner that feels like a reward at the end of a long day—warm, filling, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting. Make it once, and I promise it’ll earn a permanent spot in your “save me on busy nights” rotation.

Keep the Comfort Food Streak Going

• If you loved the creamy, spicy vibes here, you’ll probably also fall hard for Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo—same cozy Cajun energy, with that classic Alfredo-style comfort.
• Want another “dump it in and dinner’s basically done” chicken night? Try Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken for a sweet-and-savory option that’s a total crowd-pleaser.
• Need a warm bowl moment for busy days (or cold weather, or just… feelings)? Crockpot White Chicken Chili is creamy, hearty, and perfect with chips on the side.
• And if pasta night is your love language, you’ve got to bookmark Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta—rich, creamy, and just as weeknight-friendly.

And hey—if you made Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, I’d love to know how it went! Please leave a quick review with ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (tap the stars!) and tell me if you went mild, medium, or “Cajun who?” spicy. Your ratings help other home cooks find their new favorite dinner!

Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

---

• Author: Mounia
• Total Time: 5 hours
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a cozy, weeknight-friendly dinner made with tender chicken, penne, and a rich, creamy Cajun-spiced sauce—all finished in the slow cooker for big comfort with minimal effort.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (use less for mild)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp salt (plus more to taste)

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 large bell pepper, sliced (red or mixed colors)

• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 12 oz penne pasta

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Add chicken to a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then rub on Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

2. Optional (for extra flavor): Sear chicken in a hot skillet 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned.

3. Place chicken in the slow cooker. Add bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic on top.

4. Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices) and chicken broth. Scrape in any browned bits from the skillet if you seared the chicken.

5. Cover and cook LOW 4–5 hours or HIGH 2–3 hours, until chicken is cooked through and easy to shred.

6. Remove chicken, shred with two forks, then return to the slow cooker and stir.

7. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until melted and creamy.

8. Cook penne until al dente, drain, then add to the slow cooker.

9. Stir to combine and let everything warm together on LOW 15–20 minutes.

10. Serve hot and garnish with parsley.

Notes

Spice level: Cajun seasoning varies a lot—start with 1 tbsp if you’re sensitive to heat, then add more at the end.

Sauce too thick? Stir in a splash of broth. Too thin? Let it sit uncovered on LOW for 10–15 minutes.

Pasta tip: Keep it al dente—pasta softens more after mixing into the sauce.

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or cream.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Cajun-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 recipe)
• Calories: ~585 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 980 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg