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In the world of comfort food, few dishes can rival the appeal of a pasta bake, particularly when it’s infused with the vibrant and bold flavors of Cajun cuisine. The Slow-Cooked Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake is not just a meal; it's a delightful journey through the rich culinary heritage of Louisiana, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends. With its creamy texture, zesty spices, and hearty ingredients, this dish promises to satisfy even the most discerning palates while being simple enough for any home cook to master.

Crockpot Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake

Discover the rich flavors of Cajun cuisine with this Slow-Cooked Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish combines tender chicken, zesty spices, creamy sauce, and hearty pasta into a comforting meal. The slow-cooking method allows for easy preparation without sacrificing flavor. Let the enticing aroma fill your home, and enjoy a delightful culinary experience inspired by the vibrant heritage of Louisiana. Try it today!

Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

8 oz (225g) penne pasta

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

1 bell pepper, chopped (red, yellow, or green)

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. It doesn't have to be fully cooked as it will finish cooking in the crockpot.

    Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes (with their juices), heavy cream, chicken broth, remaining Cajun seasoning, and minced garlic. Stir well to blend the flavors.

      Layer the Ingredients: In your crockpot, place the seared chicken breasts at the bottom. Scatter the chopped bell pepper and diced onion on top of the chicken. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables evenly.

        Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours in the crockpot.

          Cook the Pasta: About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

            Combine: Once the crockpot cooking time is up, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Add the shredded chicken back into the crockpot along with the cooked pasta. Mix until everything is well combined.

              Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese until everything is melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

                Final Touch: Let it sit for an additional 10 minutes on the warm setting until the cheese is melted and creamy.

                  Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your decadent mouth-watering Cajun chicken pasta bake!

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 4 hrs 30 mins | 6 servings