Easy High Protein Crockpot Cajun Chicken Pasta Family Favorite Recipe

Introduction

Cooking has always been a journey of trial and error for me. There was a time when my kitchen disasters were the norm—I’m talking burnt toast so black it could’ve been used as kindling. Somehow, through all that fumbling, I stumbled into the simple joy of making meals that don’t require a culinary degree or a million fancy gadgets. It’s kind of magical when you figure out that a few good ingredients and a little patience can transform into a dish that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. What I love most about recipes like Crockpot Cajun Chicken Pasta is how forgiving they are. It’s a dish that welcomes you to toss everything in the slow cooker, walk away, and return to a house smelling like a Southern kitchen on a lazy afternoon. There’s no rush, no pressure—just the slow, steady magic of flavors melding together while life happens around you. Perfect for anyone who’s got a lot on their plate but still wants to come home to something comforting and satisfying. I’ve learned that cooking doesn’t have to be perfect, and neither do you. Sometimes the sauce might thicken a little too much, or the noodles get a bit too soft, but those little ‘oops’ moments are part of the charm. They remind me that cooking is a practice, a daily experiment, and a way to connect with the people you love. And really, isn’t that what the best meals are all about? So if you’re new to cooking, or just looking for a recipe that feels like a warm, cozy invite to slow down with a bowl full of creamy, spicy goodness—this is it. It’s simple, it’s tasty, and it’s totally doable. No pressure, just good vibes and great flavor.

why you should love this recipes :

There’s something about the magic of the slow cooker that makes this Cajun Chicken Pasta a total lifesaver on those busy, oh-I-forgot-to-thaw-anything kind of days. It’s creamy, it’s spicy just enough to keep things interesting without setting off smoke alarms, and honestly, the best part is how hands-off it is. Just toss everything in, let it do its thing, and walk away feeling like a kitchen wizard. I’ve had some mornings where I nearly double-seasoned the chicken because I was half asleep—oops—but even then, the flavors mellow out in the crockpot, so no harm done! Plus, pasta cooked straight in the sauce? Yes, please. No separate pots to wash—can I get an amen? Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or just tired of doing dishes, this recipe gets all the thumbs up from me.

Ingredients and measurement :

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts 2 cups penne pasta, uncooked 1 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese 2 cups chicken broth 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning 1 tsp garlic powder

Preparing time

5 minutes – because who has time to fuss? Just dump and go!

Cooking time

4 hours on low for the chicken + 30-40 minutes for the pasta

Instructions :

Step 1

Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning and garlic powder evenly over them. I usually give everything a little rub to get the seasoning soaking in, but no judge if you just dump it.

Step 2

Pour the chicken broth over the chicken, then cover the crockpot. Set it to low and let it simmer away for 4 hours. This is where patience pays off, and your house starts smelling like a cozy Cajun kitchen in New Orleans (minus the party).

Step 3

Carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. If you’re anything like me, you might sneak a bite here—and yep, it tastes as good as you’re imagining.

Step 4

Add the uncooked penne right into the crockpot with the leftover broth and seasoning. Cook it for about 30-40 minutes until it’s perfectly tender. Stir occasionally if you remember—it helps prevent sticking but hey, life happens.

Step 5

Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and the shredded chicken. Mix everything until the cheese melts and the sauce gets all creamy and dreamy.

Step 6

Serve it up warm, maybe with extra cheese or chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy!

Notes :

Adjusting spice levels

If Cajun seasoning scares you a bit, start with just 1 tablespoon, then taste and adjust next time. This dish is forgiving, I promise.

Pasta cooking times

Different brands of penne cook at different speeds in liquid; if it’s still a bit chewy at 40 minutes, give it a few more—just watch closely so it doesn’t go mushy. I learned this the hard way once and ended up with pasta-gone-soupy.

Make it dairy-free

Swap out heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast if needed – it’s still creamy and satisfying!

Leftovers

Because sometimes life means plans change, leftovers keep well for 2-3 days in the fridge, and reheat beautifully with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.

Don’t skip shredding

Shredding the chicken instead of cutting it into chunks helps the sauce cling to every bite, making it way more comforting. Enjoy this lazy, creamy, spicy goodness with zero fuss and max love!

Cooking tips :

Seasoning the Chicken

Don’t be shy with the Cajun seasoning—it’s the heart of this dish. Sometimes I’ve tossed the chicken in the spices the night before and popped it in the fridge to soak in those flavors. The slow cooker does a great job, but a little extra love beforehand never hurts!

Timing Your Pasta

Cooking pasta in the crockpot can be a bit of a wait, so keep an eye on it after about 30 minutes. Crockpots vary, and sometimes the penne doesn’t want to all cook evenly—stir it gently a couple times if you remember. If it seems too stiff, a splash of broth or a touch more cream can rescue the texture perfectly.

Shredding Workaround

I’ve tried shredding with forks, but honestly, sometimes my hands do a better, less messy job (just wash up afterwards). Or if you’re super rushed, cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces works too, just slightly less cozy.

Adding Cream and Cheese

Add these last and stir gently so the cream doesn’t break or the cheese get clumpy. Sometimes I sneak a bit more Parmesan because… well, cheese fixes everything, right?

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot?

You can, but I suggest adding extra cooking time since frozen chicken takes longer to reach safe temps. Go slow, or else you risk chewy chicken and uneven cooking.

What if I want to make this gluten-free?

No problem! Swap the penne with gluten-free pasta. Just check cooking times because some gf pastas get mushy faster.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Totally! I’ve made the shredded chicken a day ahead and stored it in the fridge. Then toss everything together when ready to heat. Just keep pasta separate if you’re prepping too early to avoid mush.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a bit of a Cajun kick but not overwhelming. If you like less heat, dial back the Cajun seasoning or choose a mild blend.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes! Freeze in individual portions. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to freshen it up—pasta tends to soak up liquid overnight. Print

Conclusion

This cozy crockpot Cajun chicken pasta is exactly the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s super easy to pull together, doesn’t demand hovering over the stove, and gives you that creamy, comforting pasta everyone loves. Honestly, it’s pretty forgiving — I’ve had days when the pasta got a little softer than planned, but it still ended up tasting amazing. The shredded chicken soaks up all those spices and the cheesy sauce so well, making every bite feel just right. Plus, it’s a lifesaver when you want a hearty dinner without all the fuss. I love that you can mostly set it and forget it, then come back to dinner ready to dive in. Perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends alike.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Bake

Try baking chicken breasts smothered in a creamy garlic mushroom sauce with a side of roasted veggies. It’s rich but simple, and swaps in mushrooms for an earthier flavor kick.

Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Rice

If you feel like switching proteins, Cajun seasoned shrimp with fluffy rice and steamed greens makes another quick, flavorful crowd-pleaser without pork or alcohol.

One-Pot Tuscan Chicken and Orzo

For a change of pasta shape and texture, orzo cooks down nestled with herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a creamy sauce—just as easy and twisty as your penne crockpot meal.

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Potatoes

Want something lighter but still set-it-and-forget-it? Lemon and herbs transform chicken and baby potatoes into a bright, tangy slow cooker dinner with minimal cleanup. Each of these keeps things simple, comforting, and free of pork, ham, or alcohol — just honest, tasty food you can trust to feel good on your plate.