Description
A rich and creamy Cajun dish prepared in a crock pot, featuring seasoned chicken, colorful veggies, and pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 (any color)
- 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 (or pasta of choice)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the spices into the chicken for an even coating.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the chicken on both sides for about 2–3 minutes.
- Transfer the chicken to the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Layer the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- Once cooked, remove and shred the chicken using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and mix into the crock pot.
- Allow everything to heat in the slow cooker on low for an additional 15-20 minutes before serving.
Notes
Feel free to swap in different veggies based on what’s available. This recipe is easily customizable and can be made dairy-free if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken, creamy pasta, crock pot recipe, easy dinner, family meal