Description
A comforting and flavorful pasta dish combining Cajun spices with creamy goodness, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
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 seasonings into the chicken for an even coating.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, lightly brown the chicken on both sides for about 2-3 minutes.
- Once browned, remove the chicken and place it in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add the sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, along 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 fully cooked.
- Carefully remove the chicken from the crock pot. Shred it using two forks and return it to the pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is melted.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and add the cooked pasta to the crock pot, stirring well to combine.
- Allow everything to heat together in the crock pot for another 15-20 minutes on low.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the chicken before cooking. You can substitute shrimp or turkey for chicken or make it vegetarian with cauliflower or chickpeas.
- 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: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Crock Pot, Cajun, Pasta, Chicken, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food