Slow cooker cajun chicken alfredo is a savory dish for pasta night! Let the slow cooker work it’s magic to make this perfect spicy dinner for your family.
If you love a bit of spice with your Alfredo pasta, you need to try this recipe.
I chose Cajun style over the traditional Alfredo simply because I wanted a bit of spice.
Sometimes, Alfredo can be bland, however, this recipe is far from bland.
It is full of wonderful flavors.
Using the slow cooker for this recipe takes it from complicated to extremely easy. And I love easy recipes!
Tips for using your Slow Cooker for Cajun Chicken Alfredo
These are a few tips that I have for cooking this dish in your crock pot.
Know your slow cooker
Not all slow cookers cook the same. I know that my crock pot cooks hotter than most and I adjust recipes accordingly.
Watch your food the first time cooking
If I am trying a new recipe in my slow cooker, I cook it on a day that I will be home so that I can keep an eye on the food. Goes back to knowing your slow cooker above. Then when you make it in the future, you know exactly how the dish will perform.
Using a different Cajun Seasoning
Depending on the seasoning you choose, you may want to cut out the salt. The seasoning could have more salt than the one I used. A person can always salt to taste after the dish is cooked.
My Best Tip – Shredding Chicken
If you do not want to cut your chicken into bite sized chunks and feel like shredding the chicken, I have a wonderful tip for you!
Since the chicken has cooked in the slow cooker, it should be tender. The best way to shred chicken put the chicken breast in a large bowl and use your hand mixer. It makes quick work of shredding chicken.
Frozen or Thawed Chicken
I used frozen chicken to make this recipe and it turned out great. If you choose to use frozen, use the recipe as the card says.
If you use thawed chicken you may need to lower your cook time.
With thawed chicken, apply the Cajun seasoning by placing the chicken breasts into a large bag along with the Cajun seasoning.
Close the bag and shake to coat the chicken breasts with the Cajun Seasoning.
What to serve with your pasta
When serving this dish, make sure to also serve garlic bread. They go hand-in-hand.
Of course, a nice glass of wine goes wonderfully with it as well, but optional.
Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe
A delicious meal perfect for dinner time or dinner guests!
Print
Savory Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 people 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savory Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo. Packed with wonderful flavors!
Ingredients
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (if they are not frozen see post on how to prepare)
- 4 teaspoons of Cajun Seasoning
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 ounces of Pene Noodles
- Parmesan Cheese – Optional for topping
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Cover the chicken with the Cajun seasoning.
- Add the rest of the ingredients EXCEPT the Penne Noodles.
- Cook on high.
- After about 2.5 hours, check the chicken. If it is cooked, take the chicken out and cut into bite sized chunks and place back into the slow cooker.
- Add the Penne noodles at this time.
- Once the Penne noodles are fully cooked, it is time to serve!
- When serving, top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Important Tip: Yes, there is enough liquid in the recipe to cook the pasta. However, you will need to keep an eye on the pasta and stir it around. Once the pasta is done and the sauce is to the thickness you like, turn off the slow cooker or turn to “keep warm”. You do not want to burn the noodles.
Make sure to read the blog post for more tips!
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 516
- Sugar: 5.1 g
- Sodium: 289.2 mg
- Fat: 37.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 23.4 g
- Trans Fat: 1.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 33.5 g
- Fiber: 2.3 g
- Protein: 12.1 g
- Cholesterol: 123.8 mg
Keywords: slow cooker cajun chicken alfredo, crockpot cajun chicken pasta
Robin says
Love the Wente Wine and the recipe idea on what goes together. Can’t wait to try this combo. Thank you for the tips. Time to go shop. Thank you Devon!
Carol See says
This was way, way too salty. We couldn’t even eat it. I would advise to use no salt and less Cajun seasoning.
devon says
I am sorry Carol. I understand that tastes are different. Perhaps your Cajun Seasoning had more salt in it than mine to cause that. Here is the seasoning I used.
Cassidy Handle says
Just made this pasta for dinner and it is the best pasta I have ever tasted. Better than any restaurant. It literally put a smile on my face. Thank you!
★★★★★
devon says
Cassidy,
I am SO glad you enjoyed the pasta!! Thank you for letting me know!
Laurie says
Is there enough liquid to cook 8oz of pasta in the crockpot?? Does broth or water need to be added? The cream and other juices doesn’t seem like enough liquid to me.
devon says
There is plenty of liquid in the recipe. Nothing else needs to be added. Honestly, it is really soupy until the end. Then it thickens up after the adding the noodles.
Sarah says
I made this tonight, there is plenty of liquid. I cooked egg noodles separately then added them at the end and put the lid back on to heat the entire thing through. I even added shrimp. I will say, it was too much liquid for my liking, I like my sauce thicker. Next time I will not throw the chicken in frozen. I suspect a lot of added liquid came from the chicken as it thawed while cooking. It was super good and I will for sure make it again!! Thanks for sharing this recipe.
★★★★★
Darryl says
Cooking the pasta in the sauce absorbs a good bit of the liquid.
Barbara Dehner says
Do you place the chicken back in the pot to cook with the penne? If so, doesn’t the chicken get dry?
devon says
Yes, I put the chicken back in. Sorry, I missed putting that in the instructions. I will correct that. The chicken doesn’t get dry.
Kaneshia says
Is the heavy cheese, cream cheese or alfredo sauce
devon says
It is Heavy Cream – I used heavy whipping cream. Not Cheese.
Kendra says
Hi! This looks amazing and I am making it for Christmas Eve dinner. My question is, I need to double it. In doing so, do I need to use two crockpots?
devon says
Hi Kendra! You might be able to use one crock pot, but I would be safe and use 2. Just make sure to keep an eye on it after putting in the noodles. You don’t want to over cook them. :) Enjoy!
Alisa says
I want to make it for only two people, will it work if I cut the recipe in half? I feel like 4oz of noodles won’t be enough for 2 people, but if I cut everything else in half, except the noodles, there might not be enough liquid to cook them. Also, is it possible to cook the chicken on low?
devon says
Hello Alisa. I would think you would be find cutting the recipe in half. I have not done that myself but would think it would be fine. Or you can make a full batch and have leftovers. :)
You would be fine cooking on low, will just take longer to cook.
Angela says
Oh my gosh, it is even better left over! My sister made this when I went for a visit. No joke, I ate the leftovers for 3 additional days….. She did make a little extra sauce though, to wet it up a bit. Even without the extra, it was delicious!
★★★★★
Amber vachon says
Is it the same cook time for the chicken (2.5 hours) if the chicken is thawed?
devon says
You probably do not have to cook as long. Just keep an eye on it. :)
Jessica A says
My family is 6 ppl & my sisters love the chilis version of this pasta is it possible to double the recipe to have enough for everyone?
I just got a 7qt crockpot if that helps
-Thanks Jessica(:
devon says
Hi Jessica.
I “think” my crock pot is a 5 qt. You may be able to double it. When you start your recipe, start with a single batch of the ingredients and judge from that. Sorry, I don’t have a definite answer for you.
Lindsey says
Can you cook on low if you are leaving the house and need more time?
devon says
Hi Lindsey. You can cook on low. That is fine. I would wait to add the noodles until you are home to watch them though.
Lindsey says
Do you put the noodles in raw or cook them first before adding to crockpot?
devon says
Hi Lindsey! I put the noodles in raw. :)
Jennifer says
Hello! Typically, how long do you cook the pasta for after it’s added to the crockpot?
devon says
I think the pasta cooked about 20 or 30 minutes after adding it to the crock pot. I kept a close eye on the pasta so I could turn the crock pot to warm when it was done.
Joy says
Can this dish be frozen without the pasta in it then add the pasta when ready to use !!
devon says
I have not tried freezing it so I don’t know. If you try it, come back and let us know what you did and how it turned out. :)
April says
This is one amazing recipe. I made it tonight and love it! I do see how it is a little on the salty side BUT 1. My cajon seasoning is a cheap one so I will be getting the one you got next, 2. I don’t have garlic powder like I thought so I sort of used garlic salt…but it’s still amazing and I’ll for SURE be making it again especially since they boyfriend likes it also ;) Can’t wait to make this for the family soon :) :) :)
devon says
April,
So glad you liked the recipe! Hope the family enjoys it too!! :)
Navi says
At what point do we add the cream ? Or is tht made separate ? Did I miss tht in the steps?
devon says
After the chicken gets covered with the Cajun seasoning, everything Except the noodles goes in the pot at the start of cooking.
Jennifer C says
Can I use shrimp, crabmeat, or both?
devon says
Yum! I bet that would be good in it. Go ahead and try it. Let me know how it turns out.
LeeAnn says
I made this recipe this past weekend and it was a huge success! It’s a well known fact that my first attempt at a new recipe usually does not turn out well, but this was amazing! I used thawed chicken thighs and it tasted like something I would have gotten at a restaurant! My husband loved it! I’m now looking at your other recipes! Thank you so much for sharing!!
★★★★★
devon says
Awesome LeeAnn! So glad it was a huge success!! Thanks for letting me know it did so well. Hope you find something else you like. :)
Courtney says
Do you happen to know if i can cook on low for a longer amount of time while i am at work?? Was going to start before i left and finish up after i get home but that will be a good 8 hrs.
devon says
I have not done it for that long. You can try it and just put in the noodles and chunk your chicken when you get home. I would make sure the slow cooker is on the low setting for sure.
Courtney says
Ok…thanks so much! I was going to try on low for maybe 5-6 hrs and just see. Thanks for responding so quickly.
devon says
You’re Welcome Courtney!
Heather says
How was it?? I’m doing the same thing today..
Mary Catherine says
Great dish!! Everyone loved it! I also added two cloves of minced garlic!
devon says
I am glad everyone loved it! Mmmmmmm the garlic does sound like a great addition!
Misty W says
I love this recipe! I only wish mine had a little more sauce to it so I could dip my garlic bread in it! Think I could add more cream and butter or even milk?
★★★★★
devon says
Glad you liked it Misty! You could try doing that. Also, if your noodles are done before the sauce thickens, you can do ahead and turn off the slow cooker and try that….
Michelle says
Hi Devon, I’m really excited to try this recipe but I’m hoping you can help me with a couple of questions first. Approximately what is the total weight of chicken you use? Chicken breasts vary quite a bit, and I may use chicken thighs since that’s what I have in the freezer. Also, I can’t locate that brand of Cajun seasoning locally (usually I have good luck). What might be another brand you’d consider close in heat/salt content? I have Tony Cacheres but know some consider it too salty. Thanks for your help, I know this is going to be a huge hit. What’s not to love? Crockpot, heat, pasta, yummy sauce…wish I had some now. :-)
devon says
Hi Michelle!
On the seasoning, if you think it may be salty, omit the regular salt. If you think it is needed after it is done, you can always salt to taste.
I think the chicken breasts were about a pound together. They were larger chicken breasts. I used Best Choice frozen chicken breasts. They are in a bag if you look at a store like price chopper or a local store (not Walmart).
It really was good, may have to make it again real soon.
Debbi says
The crockpot is on and we should be able to cut up the chicken in a couple hours. Can’t wait to taste it!!
devon says
Awesome!
Liz says
This is on top of my favorite dishes. My family loved it so much. Thank u so much for the receipt!! Mine came out perfect except I had lots of noddles so I had to add cream. The chicken was so tender it fell apart. The best!!!
Katie says
Do you know how many servings are in this recipe?
devon says
Should be at least 4 good sized servings.
Linda says
Hi
I tried this recipe this past Sunday and it was fantastic! So good that it’s being made again tonight. Instead of cutting the chicken, I tried shredding it, and it turned out wonderfully. 13/10 in my opinion!
★★★★★
devon says
Hi Linda! That is awesome! I am glad you guys loved it!! Thank you!
Alexis says
Can we use a different kind of pasta instead of penne pasta
devon says
Yes you can Alexis.
Jenny says
Can i double the recipe and use a large crockpot?
devon says
You might be able to get away with doubling. You will know for sure when you put all the ingredients in at the start. Just remember you will be adding noodles later.
Lori Thompson says
OHMYGOSH! Made this dish tonight!! Was a huge success. I will tell you…I am not too good in the kitchen. Rarely do my new dishes turn out. This was absolutely delicious!! I can’t wait to try your other meals!!
★★★★★
devon says
Glad it was such a hit! Thank you!
Sha123 says
I’ve made this serval times now and everyone in the house loves it. I use more cream than advised because I don’t like my food too spicy. I also use fresh egg pasta and it tastes amazing! So glad I found this recipe :)
★★★★★
devon says
YUM! I bet those noodles are really good! Thanks for sharing!
Nora says
It says 4 servings do you know about the serving size? Or nutritional information?
devon says
Nora,
They are a good sized serving (didn’t measure exact size when making) and sorry I don’t have a way of calculating nutritional information.
Allison says
I used ground garlic instead of garlic powder and added some mushrooms. The only thing I did different was seared the chicken to give a little more crisp before I placed in the Crock-Pot. The taste was on the spot..My husband and son both had 2 helpings so I had no lunch for work today. Great recipe..I will be following.
★★★★★
devon says
Glad you guys enjoyed the recipe! Thanks!
dianne mackert says
can I add chopped garlic in place of garlic powder? Or along with the powder if a person really likes garlic
devon says
Sure you can! You can always customize it to your taste. :)
Brooke says
What if I use raw chicken?
devon says
You may use raw chicken. (I assume you mean thawed chicken) It may not take as much time to cook the chicken.
Brooke says
No, I mean chicken that isn’t cooked at all.
devon says
The chicken I used was not pre-cooked. Just frozen.
Amber G says
Hey..this will be my 4th time making this but I never knew if I should add more heavy cream with a 16oz box of noodles..I always went with your recipe..just thought I’d ask this time???? Its definitely a hit!!
devon says
I would add more cream. Sorry, I didn’t get back to you sooner. Hope it turned out delicious again!
Pamela says
For your recipe of 4 servings what size crockpot do you suggest? Would a 7 qrt suffice or does it have to be smaller to cool correctly?
devon says
You should be fine. I used my large crock pot. (not sure what size mine is)
Liz says
Hi. If i wanted to make without meat. Would it be possible?
devon says
I would think so. I have not made it without meat.
Cat says
Is this spicy? And if so, should I half the Cajun seasons? Making this for my family and there are 4 kids ages 10-7-4 & 18 months old. They don’t like spicy food.
devon says
Hi, Cat!
To be safe, I would cut down the Cajun seasoning. I don’t remember it being too bad, but everyone’s taste buds are different. Plus, it depends on the seasoning too. Your seasoning could be spicier than mine. So, yes, cut it in half. :)
Lyndsey says
can you tell me an alternate Cajun seasoning that may work. I love spicy so that’s not an issue but I live in a very small town and have not had luck finding this one. Thank you
devon says
Hi Lyndsey! I would assume any Cajun seasoning would work. You may want to cut out the salt in the recipe. I don’t know how salty the other seasoning would be. If anything, people can add salt when they eat the pasta.
Cece says
Hello i am a little confused. It says of the chicken is not frozen to put it in a bag, do i just add the cajun seasoning or all the seasoning?
devon says
I am sorry for that. It does read a little bit confusing, I will fix that. I would just do chicken and Cajun seasoning.
Danielle says
I made this pasta tonight for dinner and it was a huge hit, everybody loved it and we had absolutely no leftovers. I used thawed chicken so I seasoned the chicken with the Cajun seasoning and let sit for 30 minutes while I cut up the veggies. I added everything else minus the salt and cooked according to recipe. This pasta was sooo good, the flavor was wonderful. I think we will have this again this week, this meal will be in rotation in our home. Thanks for the recipe.
★★★★★
devon says
I am so glad you loved it!! I do think it may be time to make it again here too! Thanks for stopping by!
Krista Bruse says
I was introduced to this dish at a potluck at our school.. It has become a staple in our home!!! We love this dish!!!
★★★★★
devon says
Awesome! I am so happy to hear this!
Jillian says
Can you use chicken breasts that are not fully thawed?
devon says
Yes, just make sure the chicken is done before serving.
Stephanie says
I’m excited to try this recipe! I’m just afraid that 8 oz of noodles will not be enough for 4 servings.
Barbrielle says
It’s really one of the best dishes ever! I did everything the recipe called for, but I also added 1/3 cup of white wine and a little minced garlic to the crockpot. I also grilled my chicken on the stovetop to give it that charred flavor, but I didn’t let it fully cook; it finished cooking in the crockpot. When it was done I added a jar of alfredo sauce to make it extra creamy. It was soooooo good! I will definitely be making this again!
★★★★★
devon says
That sounds delicious! Glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Hannah t says
Would everything still cook correctly if I just cooked everything in a pan? Obviously I would cook the chicken separately but I am worried that the liquid won’t be the same if it isn’t cook in a crock pot..
devon says
I am not sure how it would turn out in a pan. I have not tried that method.
Kelly says
Would this recipe be a good enough amount to bring to a potluck?
devon says
It is very delicious…however, I am not sure it will be enough for a potluck (volume wise).
Wendi Noakes says
Hi! We are excited to try this…but am wondering if it can be done in the instant pot? If so, how long?? Thx!
devon says
I bet it could be. I have not made it in there yet so I don’t know how long it would need to cook. Sorry.
Jen says
Just tried this and sauce separated and became very grainy and almost curdled. Took nearly 2 hours longer to cook fully as well. Thoughts on what went wrong?
devon says
Hi Jen, I am not sure what happened to the sauce. I am sorry that happened. The only thing I can think of with it taking 2 hours longer is that our crock pots cook differently. Maybe mine gets hotter than yours?
Jan says
This was very good. It was not too spicy or salty. I also browned my thawed chicken breast before I put them in the crockpot. Turned out delicious. Five stars!
★★★★★
Lien says
Can this recipe be doubled? How much cook time would I have to add?
devon says
I have not doubled it. You will have to watch how much your slow cooker will hold if you do double it. I would assume it may take longer to cook but not sure how much.
Cheryl says
This was AMAZING. I’ll go ahead and be honest and let you know that my boyfriend and I ate the WHOLE thing. lol He ate 3 huge plates and is currently insanely miserable but so satisfied!! ;) I omitted the salt as advised since I was using a different cajun seasoning. I used the green thing of Tony’s which is technically “creole” seasoning. Wouldn’t change a thing! YUM.
★★★★★
Devon says
I am so glad you guys enjoyed it! <3
Shonda says
I made this last night, didn’t add Basil or Lemon Pepper – but added Shrimp and 2 cans of Tomato Sauce. So good!
★★★★
Rachel says
Hi Devon,
Quick question: what changes would you suggest to make this on the stove top instead of the crockpot? I have Celiac disease, and GF pasta does not hold up in the crockpot. It tasted delicious but there was not one intact noodle by the end of it (some were even underdone). We loved the sauce though and want to make it again, just on the stove. Suggestions?
★★★★★
Devon says
Rachel, I am sorry to hear that. I have not made this dish via stove top. Could you make the noodles on the stove and stir them into the crock pot after the chicken and sauce is done??
Ashley says
This was really tasty! I did add a couple of Laughing Cow wedges at the beginning and I only did 3 teaspoons of Tony Chachares plus extra cayenne and no salt. Next time, i think I’ll add more milk and a bit more penne towards the end. My pasta cooked perfectly on high for 25 minutes. It also reheated well with a splash of milk and some cheese. Thanks!
★★★★
Shelby says
This was delicious! I personally didn’t add any of the vegetables because my family is full of picky eaters. It was a bit too salty for my liking, so next time I just won’t add salt. Also, it took forever to cook my noodles and they were still a bit under-done, so I will probably cook my noodles seperate and just add them to the sauce and chicken. Definitely put this in my recipe book!
★★★★★
Alexis says
It tastes so good but it didn’t make 6 servings. It was more like 4 and I added a little more pasta than the recipe states.
★★★★
Connie says
I realize this is alfredo sauce but and ideas on cutting down some of the fat? Like maybe 2% milk, flour and little butter instead of the cream? Any ideas?
★★★★★
Scooby Doo says
Ive used this recipe for years now, though i find the cream overpowers everything so i use half the cream, and chicken stock for the other half. turns out amazing, really bringing out the spices. I also add cooked broccoli when adding the pasta, and so far everyone has absolutely loved it. Put over a bed of fresh greens if you really want to give it the ol razzle dazzle.
Lisa Ewert says
I found this recipe on Pinterest and plan to make it this weekend. I would like to include the Parmesan cheese topping. Did you use like the grated Parmesan cheese in a container or fresh Parmesan cheese that you grated yourself?
Devon says
I believe I used fresh grated Parmesan Cheese.
Ashley says
Hey have you ever tried this recipe over the stove top? If so what should I do different?
Devon says
I have not tried it on the stovetop. Sorry, I am not sure what you should do differently.
Ashton Conger says
Hi Devon!
This is one of my favorite recipes, I use it often and know the ingredients by heart. However, I would love to know how to make it in the instant pot. Could you recommend how?
Thank you in advance!
Devon says
I haven’t tried to make it in the instant pot yet. Sorry.
Scooby Doo says
Ive used this recipe for years now, though i find the cream overpowers everything so i use half the cream, and chicken stock for the other half. turns out amazing, really bringing out the spices. I also add cooked broccoli when adding the pasta, and so far everyone has absolutely loved it. Put over a bed of fresh greens if you really want to give it the ol razzle dazzle.