Description
This Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a hearty, creamy slow-cooked dish that combines tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, smoky sausage, and penne pasta simmered in a rich Alfredo sauce made with heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting family meal with minimal hands-on cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into 1 inch pieces
Dairy
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces shredded parmesan cheese
Pantry Items & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or whole as preferred
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1.5 teaspoons salt, divided
- 1.5 teaspoons black pepper, divided
Pasta
- 1 pound uncooked penne pasta
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and the garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat and sear the chicken pieces until browned on both sides but not fully cooked. This helps lock in flavor and texture.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared chicken to an 8-quart slow cooker. Add sliced smoked sausage, heavy cream, low sodium chicken broth, butter, whole or minced garlic cloves, Cajun seasoning, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook on Low Heat: Cover and cook the mixture on low heat for 4 hours. This slow cooking process tenderizes the chicken and allows the flavors to meld thoroughly.
- Prepare Chicken and Add Pasta: About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and let them cool slightly. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add the uncooked penne pasta directly into the slow cooker and increase the heat setting to high. Cook uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
- Finish with Parmesan Cheese and Serve: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Top the dish with the sliced chicken. Serve warm for a delicious, creamy Cajun-inspired Alfredo meal.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta in the slow cooker to avoid it becoming mushy; check pepper for seasoning at the end and adjust if necessary.
- Use low sodium broth to control the saltiness of the dish, especially since the sausage and cheese contribute salt.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add more Cajun seasoning or include a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
