SLOW COOKER CAJUN CHICKEN ALFREDO
A creamy, spicy twist on a comfort food classic! This Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo combines juicy chicken, bold Cajun seasoning, and a rich Alfredo sauce β all cooked to perfection in your crockpot. Easy to prep and loaded with flavor, itβs perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
π INGREDIENTS for SLOW COOKER CAJUN CHICKEN ALFREDO
1.5β2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
For the Alfredo Sauce:
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2 cups heavy cream
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4 oz cream cheese (half block, cubed)
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tbsp butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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Β½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Other:
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12 oz fettuccine pasta (or any pasta of choice)
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Fresh parsley (for garnish)
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Extra Cajun seasoning (optional)
π₯£ INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Pat chicken dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Add to Slow Cooker
Place seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. Add heavy cream, cream cheese, butter, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Cook
Cover and cook on low for 4β5 hours or high for 2.5β3 hours, until chicken is tender and fully cooked (internal temp 165Β°F / 74Β°C).
Step 4: Shred Chicken
Remove chicken from slow cooker, shred with two forks, and return to the sauce.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Stir in Parmesan cheese. Let it melt and mix until sauce is creamy.
Step 6: Cook Pasta
While cheese melts, cook pasta on the stove according to package directions. Drain and stir into slow cooker, or serve sauce over pasta.
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a pinch of Cajun seasoning if desired. Serve hot!
π½οΈ SERVINGS:
Serves 6 people
Perfect for family dinner or meal prep for the week.
π NOTES:
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Pasta Tip: If adding pasta directly to the slow cooker, slightly undercook it so it doesnβt get mushy.
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Thickening Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid and let it cook on HIGH for 15β20 minutes to reduce.
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More Heat: Add hot sauce or extra crushed red pepper for more spice.
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Low-fat Option: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
π§ TIPS:
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Use freshly grated Parmesan β it melts better than pre-shredded.
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Browning chicken before slow cooking adds more flavor (optional).
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Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheat on stove or microwave with a splash of milk or cream.
π’ NUTRITION (Per Serving – Approximate):
Nutrient | Amount |
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Calories | ~600 kcal |
Protein | 35β40g |
Fat | 35g |
Carbohydrates | 35g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sugar | 3g |
Sodium | ~800β1000mg |
(Exact values may vary based on specific brands/ingredients.)
πͺ BENEFITS:
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High in Protein: Great for muscle maintenance and satiety.
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Slow Cooker Convenience: Set it and forget it β perfect for busy schedules.
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Customizable: Adjust spice level and ingredients to suit dietary needs.
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Comfort Food with a Kick: Creamy and rich with bold Cajun flair.
β Q&A:
Q: Can I make this dish low-carb?
A: Yes! Swap regular pasta for zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or low-carb pasta alternatives.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Absolutely. Reduce slow cooker time to 1β2 hours on low just to heat through and meld flavors.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, but freeze sauce and chicken without pasta for best texture. Add fresh-cooked pasta when reheating.
Q: Is this too spicy for kids?
A: Cajun seasoning can vary. Start with less and adjust after cooking. Skip red pepper flakes for a milder dish.
Q: Can I use a jarred Alfredo sauce?
A: You can, but homemade yields a fresher, richer flavor. Use about 2 cups of jarred Alfredo if substituting.