Description
A delicious one-pot meal featuring tender chicken and creamy Cajun flavors, perfect for busy days and meal prepping.
Ingredients
- 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
- Begin by placing the chicken breasts in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasonings into the chicken to ensure an even coating.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, lightly brown the chicken on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add the sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic on top of the chicken in the crock pot.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 240-300 minutes or on high for 120-180 minutes, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- Once the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the crock pot. Shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the crock pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and add the cooked pasta to the crock pot, stirring well to combine it with the sauce and chicken.
- Allow everything to heat together in the crock pot for another 15-20 minutes on the low setting.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt. Adjust spice levels to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 300 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun