Name: Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1/2 yellow onion, sliced; 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed; 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta; Fresh parsley; Extra Parmesan cheese; Crushed red pepper flakes

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 43 reviews

If you’re craving a dinner that’s bursting with flavor yet super easy to put together, I’ve got you covered with this Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s creamy, a little spicy, and the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell incredible all day long. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to comfort food—perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but hands-off. Stick around, and I’ll share all my best tips to help you nail this delicious dish every single time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Hands-Off Convenience: Just set it and forget it—the slow cooker does all the work for a tender, flavorful chicken.
Perfect Creamy Texture: Cream cheese and Parmesan melt into this dreamy sauce that clings to every pasta swirl.
Customizable Spice: Cajun seasoning brings that spicy kick, but you can dial it up or down to your taste.
Balanced Flavor & Veggies: Bell peppers and onion add sweetness and crunch, making it a well-rounded, satisfying meal.

A white bowl filled with creamy pasta topped with small pieces of light brown meat and thin slices of red pepper, all mixed well in a thick pale yellow sauce. The penne pasta is smooth and glossy, covered in sauce, with some green parsley leaves scattered on top and a light sprinkle of red spice powder. The bowl sits on a grey cloth, with a white marbled surface underneath and bits of cheese and parsley around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in its simple yet bold ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table, creating a creamy, spicy, and utterly satisfying dish. When shopping, choosing quality gets you the best flavor—like fresh bell peppers and real Parmesan cheese.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean and versatile, they soak up all the Cajun flavor while staying juicy in the slow cooker.
Cajun seasoning: The star of the spice show, delivering warmth and heat in a perfect blend of spices like paprika and cayenne.
Paprika & garlic powder: Add depth and a subtle smoky garlic note, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Red and green bell peppers: Add a sweet crunch that balances the creamy sauce beautifully.
Yellow onion: Provides a savory base that softens and sweetens as it cooks low and slow.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce flavorful without overpowering saltiness, which I always appreciate.
Cream cheese: The secret to that luscious, velvety sauce everyone raves about.
Parmesan cheese: Adds nuttiness and helps thicken the sauce; fresh grated Parmesan is a game changer.
Penne or rotini pasta: I love these shapes because they hold the sauce perfectly, making every bite satisfying.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to suit your mood or dietary needs. Feel free to swap peppers for mushrooms or add extra heat with jalapeños if you like it spicy. You’re encouraged to make it yours!

Variation: I sometimes swap cream cheese for a splash of heavy cream to lighten it up a bit—still creamy but with a different texture.
Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free cream cheese and Parmesan alternative; it works surprisingly well if you pick good products.
Spicy Upgrade: Adding sriracha or extra Cajun seasoning takes it to the next level—perfect if you want some heat without overwhelming the dish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken Perfectly

The very first thing I do is rub the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can marinate it for 15-20 minutes if you have the time—it really helps boost that flavor—but if you’re in a rush, just seasoning right before cooking works just fine.

Step 2: Layer Your Slow Cooker

Next, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker, then add the sliced bell peppers and onions on top. Pour the chicken broth over everything. This layering helps the veggies cook evenly, soaking up all those delicious juices from the chicken.

Step 3: Cook Low & Slow for Flavorful Results

Set your crock pot to low for 6-7 hours, or if you’re tight on time, high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will come out tender and juicy, while the veggies become sweet and soft. I always set it before I leave the house and come back to the best dinner waiting for me.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Add Creamy Cheeses

Once everything is cooked, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Returning the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, add the cubed cream cheese and shredded Parmesan. Stir everything well and let it cook on low for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 5: Cook Pasta Separately and Combine

I always cook the pasta separately according to the package directions until al dente. Then I drain it well and add it to the slow cooker, stirring gently to combine. Cooking the pasta separately keeps it from turning mushy in the crock pot—trust me, this little step makes a huge difference.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Searing the Chicken First: If you have a few extra minutes, searing the chicken breasts before slow cooking adds a lovely caramelized flavor I adore.
Don’t Skip Cooking Pasta Separately: Adding cooked pasta straight to the crock pot right at the end keeps the noodles perfectly firm—not mushy or overcooked.
Fresh Parmesan Is Key: Using freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-grated powders gives a better melting effect and richer flavor.
Adjust Spice Gradually: It’s easy to add more Cajun seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes later, so start mild if you’re unsure and spice it up to taste.

How to Serve Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy pasta showing three main layers: light yellow penne pasta, white chunks of cooked chicken, and small pieces of red tomatoes mixed throughout. The sauce is beige and creamy, coating each pasta and chicken piece smoothly. Small green herb bits are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh color touch. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface with some green herbs placed on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

My go-to garnishes are fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness, plus an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for cheesiness. If you like things spicy like I do, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds just the right zing without overpowering the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish is pretty filling on its own, but I love pairing it with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus also work beautifully for a veggie boost.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I’ve served this in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a wedge of lemon on the side—it’s pretty and adds an extra burst of freshness. You can also toss in some sautéed mushrooms or swap chicken for shrimp for a different twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for an even better meal the next day—just stir it gently before reheating.

Freezing

Freezing is best done with the sauce and chicken only—hold off adding the pasta until you reheat. I freeze the sauce in portioned containers, and it defrosts beautifully in the fridge overnight when I want a quick dinner.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm the sauce gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Then I toss in freshly cooked pasta or reheat some leftovers. This way, the pasta doesn’t get gummy, and the sauce stays creamy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs actually stay juicier and add a bit more flavor due to their higher fat content. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, but generally thighs work perfectly in slow cooker recipes like this.
Is it okay to cook the pasta directly in the slow cooker?

I don’t recommend it because the pasta tends to overcook and become mushy after long crock pot cooking. Cooking pasta separately and then mixing it in right before serving keeps the texture just right.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I make it milder?

The Cajun seasoning gives a moderate spicy kick, but it’s very adjustable. You can reduce the amount of Cajun spice, skip the crushed red pepper flakes, or choose a mild seasoning blend to keep it family-friendly.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can prep the chicken with the seasoning the night before and store it in the fridge. The slow cooker step can be done ahead in some cases, but I suggest adding the cheese and pasta fresh when ready to serve for best creaminess.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it nails the balance of ease, comfort, and bold flavor every time. I hope when you try it, it becomes one of your favorites too—something you make when you want that warm, satisfying meal without standing over a hot stove. Give it a go, customize to your taste, and enjoy every creamy, spicy bite!