Slow Cooker Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Slow Cooker Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is an easy recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken cooks in a smoky Cajun sauce made lighter with milk and light cream cheese, so it is full of flavour without being too heavy.

Even the pasta cooks right in the slow cooker, soaking up all that creamy sauce as it finishes. A true one pot dinner with bold flavour and simple prep, making it a family favourite you can put on repeat.

Calories in Slow Cooker Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This recipe serves 4 and is 532 calories per serving

If you're looking for more recipes within the same calorie range, you'll find an abundance of options in my dedicated collection of 500+ calorie recipes.

If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie needs using a reliable calorie calculator. The calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes you use. Using your own calculations helps ensure you're meeting your individual needs. A calorie calculator can help you make informed choices and stay on track with your goals.

See the recipe card for full nutritional estimation.

Ingredients Notes

To make this recipe you will need the following ingredients:

• Boneless skinless chicken breast - Lean and tender, chicken breast keeps this dish lighter while still giving plenty of protein.
• Seasonings - Smoked paprika, sweet paprika, oregano, thyme, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder. These spices create the classic Cajun flavour with smoky depth, earthy notes, and a gentle heat.
• Salt and black pepper - Simple but essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavours. These basic yet essential flavour enhancers are key for elevating the taste of your dishes. No food will ever be bland when these are used to season to taste.
• 2% milk - Keeps the sauce creamy but lighter on the calories.
• Light cream cheese - Melts into the sauce to add body and creaminess without being too rich.
• Chicken stock - Boosts the savoury flavour and makes the sauce more robust. I like to use better than bouillon paste, 1 teaspoon makes 1 cup of stock.
• Olive oil - Helps the overall result of the sauce and keeps the chicken tender.
• Red and green bell peppers - Add sweetness, colour, and a bit of crunch.
• Pasta (penne) - A sturdy pasta that holds up well in the slow cooker and soaks up the sauce.
• Parmesan cheese - Adds a final savoury, salty finish to the creamy pasta.

Once you've gathered all the ingredients and prepared them accordingly, you're all set to create this easy and delightful recipe.

See the recipe card for specific quantities and instructions.

Variations and Substitutes

This slow cooker pasta is flexible, so you can swap ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Chicken thighs, pork, or cooked sausage - Swap the chicken breast for boneless, skinless thighs for a richer, juicier texture, use bite-sized pork pieces, or stir in some cooked low-calorie sausage for extra flavour. Cooking time stays the same.
• Pasta - Penne works great for even cooking in the slow cooker, but rigatoni, fusilli, or shells are good alternatives. Avoid long, thin pastas like spaghetti or linguine as they cook differently and can turn mushy.
• Vegetables - Add extra peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for more flavour and colour, chopped into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
• Spice level - Adjust the cayenne to taste. Omit for a milder version or add smoked chilli for extra heat.
• Cheese topping - Parmesan adds salty depth, but cheddar or shredded mozzarella are good alternatives.

Tips for Cooking Slow Cooker Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Use the Right Cream Cheese and Milk - Always use light cream cheese (not extra light) and 2% milk. Lower-fat options like extra light cream cheese or skimmed milk don't have enough fat content and can cause the sauce to split.
• Pat the Chicken Dry - Make sure to pat the chicken breasts dry with kitchen paper before adding them to the slow cooker. This helps the seasoning stick and prevents excess water from diluting the sauce.
• Cook Chicken Breasts Whole - Keep the chicken breasts whole during cooking for the best texture. Once they're fully cooked, slice or shred them before adding back to the pasta and sauce.
• Don't Skip the Olive Oil - Olive oil is essential for the texture of the sauce. Leaving it out can result in a thinner or split sauce.
• Add Milk and Cream Cheese at the Right Time - After cooking the chicken for 2.5 hours, remove it and whisk in the cream cheese into the sauce. Make sure it is fully melted, then stir in the milk until combined before adding the chicken back in.
• Cook Pasta at the End - Once the sauce is smooth and the chicken is returned, add the pasta. Make sure it is covered by the liquid and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until both the pasta and chicken are cooked through.

Perfect Sides for Slow Cooker Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This creamy Cajun pasta is filling on its own, but a few simple sides can round out the meal:

• Fresh salad: Baby greens or crisp lettuce with your favourite salad items such as cucumber, red onion, tomatoes, or carrot. Add a light vinaigrette for extra flavour.
• Steamed vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or zucchini work well and keep it light.
• Roasted or sautéed vegetables: Peppers, mushrooms, or any other favourite vegetables bring extra flavour and texture.
• Corn on the cob: Simple and sweet, a great addition if you want a bit of extra colour on the plate.

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