So You’re Craving Something Tasty But Too Lazy to Spend Forever in the Kitchen, Huh? Same.
Ah, the age-old dilemma of wanting something delicious but not wanting to sacrifice half your day for it, am I right? If that sounds like you, then brace yourself because I’ve got a stellar recipe in store. Meet the Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. Our slow cooker friend is about to become your bestie for the day. Let’s dive in!
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Picture this: you get home after a long day, you’re starving, and the last thing you want to do is play Iron Chef in the kitchen. This recipe comes in hotter than a Cajun summer. Toss everything in the crock pot and let it do the magic. FYI, it’s idiot-proof, even I didn’t mess it up. Seriously, it’s the culinary equivalent of a Netflix binge—you just sit back, relax, and let the good stuff happen.
Plus, who doesn’t love creamy pasta? It’s like a warm hug on a chilly evening. And did I mention it’s Cajun? Spice it up, because bland food is just a cry for help.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we start our culinary adventure, let’s gather the troops. Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish pop:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (because we’re classy like that)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (it’s not a party without olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (bring on the flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (don’t skimp on the garlic)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (tears optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (for that smoky charm)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (you know the drill)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (just a dash)
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (pick your favorite color, no judgment)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced (for those who love chopping)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (more garlic please)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices (savor the liquid gold)
- 1 cup chicken broth (liquid happiness)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (because we live life on the creamy side)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (gotta get that cheese pull action)
- 8 oz penne pasta (or pasta of your choice, we’re flexible here)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (it’s like confetti for your dish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, you ready to rock? Here’s your roadmap to creamy Cajun paradise:
Get your chicken ready: Place those chicken breasts in a large bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil and then sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub it all in and pretend you’re a fancy chef for a hot minute.
Brown the chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, lightly brown the chicken on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. This little step helps seal in the flavors. Plus, it’ll make your kitchen smell divine.
Transfer to the crock pot: Remove the chicken and place it in the bottom of your slow cooker. It deserves a cozy spot.
Layer it up: Add the sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic on top of the chicken. It’s looking colorful already.
Diced tomatoes and broth: Pour in that beautiful can of diced tomatoes (juices and all) and the chicken broth. Your crock pot is ready to rock.
Cook it slow: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked thoroughly and your house smells like heaven.
Shred it like you mean it: Once your chicken is done, carefully remove it from the crock pot. Use two forks to shred that chicken. Toss it back into the crock pot and say, “Welcome home!”
Make it creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until everything is melted and dreamy. You might want to sneak a taste here. Just sayin’.
Pasta time: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain it like a pro.
Combine and conquer: Add the cooked pasta to the crock pot and stir well to combine. Let everything hang out together on low for another 15-20 minutes so it’s thoroughly warmed. Think of it as a family reunion.
Garnish and serve: Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Boom! Dinner is served.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Alright, let’s talk about what NOT to do. Here are some classic blunders to keep your cooking cred intact:
Skipping the browning: Seriously, don’t skip that step. It’s like wearing socks with sandals. Just avoid it.
Overloading the crock pot: Figure out how much food you actually need. If you try to fit a Thanksgiving feast in there, you’ll start a slow-cooker uprising.
Not shredding the chicken: Leaving it whole is like ignoring dessert. Just don’t do it.
Ignoring pasta timing: If you cook it too long, it’ll resemble mush. If that’s what you want, okay, but we both know you don’t.
Alternatives & Substitutions
So you’re missing some ingredients? No problem! Here’s how to improvise like a boss:
Chicken: Feel free to use thighs if you prefer. They stay juicy and can handle the heat.
Pasta: Want to go gluten-free? Use zoodles, or any gluten-free pasta you can find. Just cook it separately and combine when it’s done.
Cream: Half and half can work too, but don’t we want the creaminess? Remember, heavy cream is your friend.
Spices: Don’t have Cajun seasoning? A mix of paprika, cayenne, and onion powder could work. But, let’s be honest, you should just get some Cajun seasoning.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use frozen chicken?
Well, technically you can, but it’s like trying to do the cha-cha on roller skates. It might not turn out great. Thaw that chicken first for best results.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Throw in some spinach or mushrooms if you want to be all healthy. Just don’t expect them to steal the show.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can make this on the stovetop, just reduce the liquid a bit and keep an eye on it. But where’s the fun in that?
Can I make this a day ahead?
For sure! Just heat it up when you’re ready to eat. Just remember to add a splash of water if it looks too thick.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? Treat yourself to the real deal.
What if I don’t like tomatoes?
No problem. Just leave them out and maybe consider a different sauce. But then you’ll miss out on the yumminess, so think twice.
Final Thoughts
Now you’re all set to impress someone—or hey, even just yourself—with your newfound skills. With Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, you’re not just making dinner; you’re creating magic in your slow cooker.
So go ahead, give it a whirl, and let those flavors dance around your taste buds while you put your feet up. You’ve earned it! Happy cooking, my friend!
Print
Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option
Description
A deliciously creamy Cajun chicken pasta recipe made effortlessly in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 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
- 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
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz penne pasta
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, drizzle chicken with olive oil and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub to combine.
- In a skillet over medium heat, lightly brown chicken on both sides for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the chicken to the crock pot.
- Add sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and return to the crock pot.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente and drain.
- Add the cooked pasta to the crock pot and stir well to combine. Let it warm for another 15-20 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Feel free to customize with additional vegetables or alternative proteins.