Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo because it combines bold Cajun spices with creamy Alfredo for a deliciously balanced flavor. The slow cooker does all the work, producing juicy chicken and perfectly coated pasta with minimal effort. It’s family-friendly, easily customizable, and great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts
- Cajun seasoning
- Garlic cloves
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Cream cheese
- Fettuccine or penne pasta
- Olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Season the chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a slow cooker, add the seasoned chicken, minced garlic, heavy cream, and chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken, shred or slice it, and set aside.
- Stir in the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- Add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
- Let it sit for 10–15 minutes on warm to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 4–5 hours on low (or 2–3 hours on high)
Total time: approximately 5 hours.
Variations
- Use shrimp or sausage instead of chicken for a seafood or meat-lover’s twist.
- Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra texture and nutrition.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Try a different pasta like linguine, rigatoni, or bow ties.
- Make it spicier by adding crushed red pepper flakes or extra Cajun seasoning.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy consistency. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
How spicy is Cajun Chicken Alfredo?
The spice level depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. You can adjust the amount for a milder or spicier dish.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can add pre-cooked chicken during the last 30 minutes of cooking to heat through without overcooking.
What type of pasta works best?
Fettuccine is classic, but any pasta that holds sauce well, such as penne or rotini, works great.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based cream, and vegan Parmesan alternatives.
How can I thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid and let it cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes or add a bit more Parmesan cheese.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerate it. Just start cooking the next day.
What can I serve with this dish?
Serve it with garlic bread, a fresh garden salad, or roasted vegetables.
Is it possible to make it gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely—try Romano or Asiago for a slightly sharper flavor.
Why is my sauce separating?
This can happen if the cream is overheated. Stir gently and keep the temperature on low for best results.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it comfort meal. With its creamy texture, savory chicken, and bold Cajun flavors, it’s a dish that brings restaurant-quality taste right to your table with minimal effort. Perfect for family dinners or make-ahead lunches, this recipe will quickly become a weeknight favorite.
PrintSlow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo
A rich, creamy, and flavorful Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Tender chicken breasts simmer in a luscious Alfredo sauce with Cajun spices, resulting in a comforting, restaurant-quality meal perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–5 hours (low) or 2–3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 5 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Cajun-American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a slow cooker, add the seasoned chicken, minced garlic, heavy cream, and chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred or slice it, and set aside.
- Stir in the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese into the sauce until smooth and creamy.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- Add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken back to the slow cooker, stirring to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
- Let it sit for 10–15 minutes on the warm setting to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use shrimp or sausage instead of chicken for variation.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to control spice level.
- Store leftovers up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 160mg