Name: Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489171H47M49S
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 onion, diced; 2 bell peppers, sliced (any color); 1 cup chicken broth; 8 oz cream cheese, cubed; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for searing chicken)

Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a bold, rich, and satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken, a creamy sauce with a kick of Cajun heat, and perfectly cooked pasta—all made effortlessly in the slow cooker. It’s comforting, flavorful, and exactly what I crave when I want something indulgent but easy to throw together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish does all the work for me. I just set it and forget it in the crock pot, and a few hours later, I’ve got a creamy, spicy, cheesy pasta that tastes like it came from a restaurant. The Cajun seasoning gives it a bold flavor, while the cream cheese and heavy cream make the sauce luxuriously rich. It’s a perfect dinner when I want something hearty with minimal prep.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cajun seasoning
Garlic, minced
Onion, diced
Bell peppers, sliced
Chicken broth
Cream cheese
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
Penne or fettuccine pasta
Salt and pepper
Olive oil or butter

Directions

I start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning on both sides.
In a skillet, I sear the chicken in a little olive oil or butter just until golden—this step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if I’m short on time.
I place the chicken, garlic, onion, bell peppers, and chicken broth into the crock pot. I cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for about 2–3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Once the chicken is done, I remove it and shred or slice it, then return it to the crock pot.
I stir in the cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan until everything is melted and smooth.
Meanwhile, I cook the pasta separately according to package instructions, then drain and add it to the slow cooker. I toss everything together to coat the pasta in the creamy Cajun sauce.
I finish by tasting and adjusting salt, pepper, or extra Cajun seasoning if I want more heat.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people, depending on portion size. It takes about 10 minutes to prep, and cooking time is 4–5 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high. I usually get everything going in the morning and it’s ready by dinner.

Variations

I sometimes swap chicken for smoked sausage or shrimp for a different flavor. If I want to lighten it up, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cream cheese. For a veggie boost, I’ll stir in spinach or mushrooms near the end. And if I’m going low-carb, I skip the pasta and serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. I store them in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. I don’t recommend freezing it since the dairy-based sauce can separate after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, if I have leftover chicken, I just skip the slow cooking part and stir it in along with the cream cheese and cream, letting everything heat through.

What type of pasta works best?

I usually use penne or fettuccine, but any sturdy pasta like rotini or rigatoni holds the creamy sauce well.

Is this dish spicy?

The Cajun seasoning gives it a medium heat. If I want it milder, I reduce the seasoning or choose a low-sodium, mild Cajun blend.

Can I make this dairy-free?

I haven’t tried it, but using a dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream might work. Just expect a slight flavor difference.

Do I need to cook the pasta separately?

Yes, I always cook the pasta separately. Adding it directly to the crock pot can make it mushy. Mixing it in at the end keeps it perfectly al dente.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is one of those comforting meals that feels indulgent without being complicated. I love the bold, spicy flavors and the creamy texture, and the slow cooker makes it practically effortless. Whether I’m feeding the family or just want leftovers for a couple of days, this dish always satisfies.