Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a wonderfully creamy and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, smoky sausage, and a rich Cajun-spiced Alfredo sauce all cooked together in one pot. This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, offering bold flavors with minimal effort, as everything cooks slowly to meld and deepen the flavors.
You will love how the spicy Cajun seasoning perfectly complements the creamy sauce and savory smoked sausage, creating layers of flavor that are both comforting and exciting. Cooking the pasta right in the slow cooker with the sauce ensures a perfectly tender, saucy Alfredo with plenty of hearty protein in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound skinless chicken breasts
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons coarse Cajun seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 pound uncooked penne pasta
- ½ cup hot water
- 8 oz freshly shredded Parmesan cheese (about 2½ cups)
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder
How to Create Your Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Heat olive oil over high heat in a skillet and quickly sear chicken on both sides to develop flavor.
Step 2: Slow Cook Ingredients
Place seared chicken, sausage, heavy cream, chicken broth, butter, garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, Cajun seasoning, and several twists of black pepper into your slow cooker. Cook on low for about 4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until chicken reaches 165°F.
Step 3: Prepare Pasta
Remove chicken and set aside to cool slightly, then slice it. Stir uncooked penne pasta and ½ cup hot water into the cooker. Cover and cook on high for about 30 minutes or until pasta is tender.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
Stir in Parmesan cheese and chicken slices. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste, then mix well and serve.
My Best Tips for Success
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Searing the chicken adds a richer flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
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Use smoked sausage for a smoky depth but feel free to substitute your favorite sausage.
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Stir pasta in late and monitor cooking closely to prevent overcooking.
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Keep some pasta water handy to thin the sauce if it thickens too much.
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Use freshly shredded Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
Delicious Variations to Try
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Add bell peppers or onions to the slow cooker for extra veggies.
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Use fettuccine or other pasta shapes if preferred.
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Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top for freshness.
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Include a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
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Swap chicken breasts for thighs for juicier meat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe without searing the chicken?
Yes, but searing boosts flavor and texture.
What type of sausage works best?
Smoked sausage or andouille sausage adds authentic flavor.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Add pasta toward the end and cook just until tender, checking frequently.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but increase cooking time and check doneness carefully.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not unless gluten-free pasta is used.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, but texture may change; thaw and reheat gently.
Print
Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo
- Total Time: 285
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A rich, creamy, smoky slow cooker dish with tender chicken, smoked sausage, and creamy Cajun-spiced Alfredo sauce cooked right with the pasta.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb skinless chicken breasts
1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
3 cups heavy cream
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
4 tbsp butter
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
2 garlic cloves, smashed
1 lb uncooked penne pasta
1/2 cup hot water
8 oz (2 1/2 cups) freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Garlic powder, to taste
Instructions
Sear chicken: Pat dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder. Heat olive oil and sear until golden.
Slow cook: Add chicken, sausage, cream, broth, butter, garlic, seasoning, salt, pepper to slow cooker. Cook 4 hrs low or 2-3 hrs high until chicken reaches 165°F.
Cook pasta: Remove chicken, stir in pasta and hot water. Cook on high 25-30 mins until pasta soft.
Finish Alfredo: Slice chicken, return to pot. Stir in Parmesan to melt. Adjust seasoning. Serve warm.
Notes
Searing chicken enhances flavor (optional).
Use smoked sausage or andouille.
Add pasta late to avoid overcooking.
Use fresh Parmesan for richness.
Add broth or water if sauce gets too thick.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 270
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Cajun / Southern Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 44 g
- Saturated Fat: 23 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 175 mg
Keywords: slow cooker cajun chicken alfredo, crockpot cajun pasta, creamy sausage alfredo, one pot pasta dinner, creamy cajun chicken
