SLOW COOKER CAJUN CHICKEN ALFREDO

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Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo is the ultimate fusion of creamy comfort and bold, spicy flavors. With tender chicken, smoky sausage, and a rich Alfredo sauce infused with Cajun seasoning, this dish delivers a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a quick, one-pan slow cooker recipe that’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or extra heat, making it a versatile choice for weeknight dinners.

Why You'll Love this Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo

You’ll love this Cajun Chicken Alfredo recipe because it’s the perfect blend of creamy comfort and bold, spicy flavors. With tender chicken, smoky sausage, and a rich Alfredo sauce infused with Cajun seasoning, every bite is packed with deliciousness.

It’s also versatile and easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it a perfect one-pan meal for busy weeknights. Whether you love a little heat or want to keep it mild, this dish offers something for everyone!

• Creamy and comforting: The combination of heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan creates a velvety, indulgent sauce perfect for comfort food cravings.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the heat, protein, and vegetables to suit your taste, whether you prefer it spicier, lighter, or packed with extra ingredients.
• One-pan convenience: Everything cooks together in one pan, making clean-up quick and easy while locking in all the flavors.
• Perfect for weeknights: It’s a hearty and filling meal that comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy nights without compromising on taste.

Whether you're a fan of mild or spicy, this dish can easily be adjusted to your heat preference by tweaking the amount of seasoning or adding a splash of hot sauce.

Whether you're cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers delicious results with minimal effort!

Equipment Needed for Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo

• Crock Pot
• Frying Pan
• Cutting Board
• Butcher Knife
• Grater
• Spoon

Ingredients Needed for Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo

• 2 pounds chicken breasts
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into 1-2 inch pieces
• 3 cups of heavy cream
• 4 cups of low sodium chicken broth
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons Tony’s Creole cajun seasoning
• 2 cloves garlic smashed and minced
• 1 pound of uncooked penne pasta
• 1 cup hot water
• 8 oz freshly shredded parmesan cheese 

Step by Step Instructions to Make Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Step 1

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper and garlic powder. 

Step 2

Heat olive oil over high heat and sear chicken breasts on both sides (1-2 minutes per side).

Step 3

Add the chicken breast, sausage, heavy cream, chicken broth, butter, garlic cloves and 1 tsp kosher salt and pepper with the cajun seasoning.

Step 4

Cook on high for 2.5 hours or low for about 4 hours until chicken has reached 165 degrees.

Step 5

Remove chicken from slow cooker and set aside to cool.  

Step 6

Stir in 1 cup of hot water and uncooked penne pasta, cover and cook on high for about 30 minutes until the pasta is tender.

Step 7

When chicken has cooled, cut into chunks.

Step 8

Once pasta is tender, stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese and chicken.

Step 9

Let sit covered for 10-15 mins to become thick and creamy. Serve and Enjoy!

Popular Substitutions & Additions

One of the best things about this Cajun Chicken Alfredo recipe is how easily it can be customized to fit your preferences.

Here are some popular substitutions and additions for this Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo recipe:

Additions

Vegetables

• Bell peppers: Add diced bell peppers to the pan when cooking the sausage to introduce a bit of sweetness and crunch. This will balance the richness of the cream and the spice from the Cajun seasoning.
• Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms along with the sausage to add an earthy, umami flavor. They’ll absorb the spices well and add some meaty texture.
• Spinach: Add fresh spinach towards the end of the cooking process, just before adding the pasta, to let it wilt. Spinach adds color and nutrition without overwhelming the dish.
• Diced tomatoes: Stir in diced tomatoes after sautéing the garlic and sausage. This will introduce acidity, cutting through the creaminess and giving the dish a more balanced flavor.
• Onions: Sauté diced onions along with garlic and sausage to add sweetness and depth to the base of the sauce.

Spices/Herbs

• Red pepper flakes: Sprinkle red pepper flakes when adding the seasoning for an extra kick of heat. This will enhance the Cajun flavor and create more complexity.
• Paprika: Add paprika with the other spices to enhance the smokiness, particularly if you’re using a mild sausage.
• Fresh parsley/basil: Chop fresh herbs and use them as a garnish to brighten up the heavy, creamy flavors. Parsley adds a fresh, slightly peppery taste, while basil brings a mild sweetness.
• Bay leaves: Simmer the sauce with a bay leaf or two. Remove them before serving to give the dish more depth and a subtle aromatic flavor.

Protein

• Shrimp: Add shrimp in the final few minutes of cooking, as shrimp cooks quickly. This pairs well with the Cajun flavors and adds a seafood component for a more traditional Louisiana-style dish.
• Bacon bits: Cook bacon pieces at the beginning and use the rendered fat for sautéing the sausage or chicken. The bacon will add a smoky, savory flavor, complementing the other ingredients.

Flavor enhancers

• Lemon zest: Grate lemon zest into the sauce at the end for a touch of acidity. This can help brighten up the creamy sauce, making it feel lighter on the palate.
• Hot sauce: Add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce either to the sauce or as a topping for those who like it spicier.
• Worcestershire sauce: Stir a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce into the cream to add a deep, umami-rich background flavor.

Substitutions

• Chicken thighs: Swap out the breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Thighs have more fat content, which makes them juicier and adds more flavor to the dish, especially in a long simmer.
• Andouille sausage: This is a more traditional Cajun sausage, which is spicier and smokier. It will give the dish an authentic Cajun flavor and more heat.
• Turkey or chicken sausage: Use these for a leaner, lower-fat option without sacrificing the sausage flavor. They can make the dish feel lighter while keeping it protein-packed.

Heavy cream

• Half-and-half: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. It’ll still give a creamy texture but with less richness and fewer calories.
• Coconut cream: If you want a dairy-free version, coconut cream provides the richness of heavy cream with a slightly tropical, sweet undertone that pairs well with the Cajun spices.

Pasta

• Gluten-free pasta: Use gluten-free penne or any pasta shape you prefer if you’re gluten-sensitive or want to cater to dietary restrictions. It works just as well in the creamy sauce.
• Whole wheat pasta: For more fiber and a healthier twist, swap out regular penne for whole wheat. It adds a nutty flavor and firmer texture to the dish.

Cheese

• Pecorino Romano: This cheese is sharper and saltier than Parmesan, which can intensify the flavor of the dish. It’s a great option if you want to balance the creaminess with a more distinct cheesy flavor.
• Asiago or Gouda: Both cheeses offer unique flavor profiles. Asiago is tangy and sharp, while Gouda adds a mild sweetness and creaminess. Either one can make the dish feel more complex and interesting.

Serving Ideas for Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Here are some serving ideas to elevate your slow-cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo recipe.

1. Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top to add a burst of color and fresh flavor.
2. Add a side of garlic bread: Serve with crispy garlic bread or homemade breadsticks to soak up the creamy sauce.
3. Serve with a green salad: A light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the Alfredo.
4. Top with extra cheese: Add freshly shredded Parmesan or a sprinkle of Pecorino Romano for an extra cheesy finish.
5. Pair with roasted vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts provide a nice contrast to the creamy pasta.
6. Add a squeeze of lemon: Just before serving, a light squeeze of lemon can brighten the flavors and cut through the richness.
7. Serve with a glass of wine: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs well with the creamy and spicy flavors.

FAQ's About Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with any pasta you prefer, such as rigatoni, farfalle, or even gluten-free pasta.

Q: How can I make the dish spicier?

You can increase the amount of Cajun seasoning, add red pepper flakes, or stir in hot sauce for extra heat.

Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. You can also use half-and-half as a compromise or add a bit of cream cheese to thicken it.

Q: What can I substitute for the smoked sausage?

Andouille sausage is a great Cajun option, or you can use turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner alternative.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance, but the pasta may absorb some of the sauce. To reheat, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.

Q: How can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?

The creamy sauce may separate when frozen, so it’s best to store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If freezing, reheat slowly and stir well to reincorporate the sauce.

Q: How long does this dish last in the refrigerator?

The dish can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, and onions all work well in this recipe.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or Gouda are all great substitutes for Parmesan, offering slightly different flavor profiles.

Get ready to enjoy a hearty, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Recommended

For more main dishes and crockpot slow cooker one-pan meals, check out our other recipes like our Crock Pot Sticky Asian Chicken Legs, Crock Pot Texas Styled Pulled Pork, and our Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili.

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