Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works great, you can swap in rigatoni or rotini. Just keep an eye on cooking time since different shapes cook differently.

Can I make this Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo less spicy?

Yes! Use less Cajun seasoning or choose a mild blend. You can always add more spice later, but you can’t take it out once it’s in.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to bring the sauce back to life.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

You can, but you’ll miss out on the flavor from slow cooking. If you’re short on time, it’s still a good shortcut—just add it in near the end.

Can I freeze this dish?

Cream-based sauces can change texture when frozen, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. If you do freeze it, reheat gently and stir well.

Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo: 5 Easy Wins

Description

This Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe is a rich, creamy, and flavor-packed comfort meal made with tender chicken, smoky sausage, and perfectly cooked pasta. With bold Cajun spices and a luscious parmesan sauce, this easy slow cooker dinner is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound chicken breasts
1 pound smoked sausage (sliced into 1-inch pieces)
3 cups heavy cream
4 cups low sodium chicken broth
4 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons coarse Cajun seasoning
2 cloves garlic, smashed
1 pound uncooked penne pasta
1/2 cup hot water
8 oz freshly shredded parmesan cheese (about 2 1/2 cups)
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Garlic powder, to taste

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Instructions

Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat and sear chicken on both sides until golden (not fully cooked).
Transfer chicken to the slow cooker. Add sausage, heavy cream, chicken broth, butter, garlic, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until chicken reaches 165°F.
Remove chicken, let cool slightly, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
Stir hot water and uncooked penne pasta into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for about 30 minutes, until pasta is tender.
Stir in parmesan cheese and sliced chicken. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm.

Notes

Use freshly shredded parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
Adjust Cajun seasoning to control spice level.
Check pasta early to avoid overcooking.
Add a splash of broth or milk if the sauce becomes too thick.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 720 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 980 mg
Fat: 42 g
Saturated Fat: 22 g
Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 36 g
Cholesterol: 155 mg