Description
This creamy slow cooker chicken pasta recipe combines tender chicken, penne, Parmesan, and a mild Cajun sauce. It needs only 10 minutes of prep and makes a comforting family dinner for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cups heavy whipping cream
4 cups chicken broth
4 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 pound uncooked penne pasta
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Place the chicken in a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the heavy whipping cream, chicken broth, butter, Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder, then stir lightly.
2. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Shred it with two forks or chop it into large pieces, then whisk the sauce until smooth.
4. Return the chicken to the slow cooker. Stir in the uncooked penne, cover, and cook on high for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt completely. Serve warm with extra Parmesan, salt, and black pepper if desired.
Notes
Reduce the Cajun seasoning if you prefer a milder dish.
Check the pasta after 20 minutes because slow cookers can cook at different speeds.
The pasta cooks directly in the sauce during the final cooking stage.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream when reheating if the sauce becomes too thick.
Serve with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 465
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 133 mg