Creamy Cajun Chicken & Pasta Delight
This Creamy Cajun Chicken & Pasta Delight is a flavorful dish that brings the vibrant and bold tastes of Louisiana right to your dining table. Juicy, boneless chicken breast pieces are infused with a rich Cajun alfredo sauce, enhanced by the freshness of diced tomatoes and crunchy red bell peppers. The dish is perfect for busy weeknights as it is conveniently cooked in a slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort. Serve it over al dente bowtie pasta for a delightful and satisfying dinner that the whole family will love!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
1.5 lbs (cut into bite-size pieces)
alfredo sauce
1 (16 ounce) jar (Classico recommended)
diced tomatoes
1 (14.5 ounce) can (undrained (with green pepper, celery, and onion))
chicken broth
1 (14 ounce) can (reduced-sodium (optional, recommended to omit for less runny sauce))
red bell pepper
1 medium (cut into strips)
cajun seasoning
4 teaspoons
dry bow tie pasta
1 lb
fresh chives
to taste (chopped (optional for garnish))
Instructions
1
In a slow cooker, combine chicken pieces, alfredo sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, red bell pepper strips, and cajun seasoning. Mix well to ensure the chicken is coated with the sauce.
2
Cover the slow cooker and set it to HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, or LOW for 6 to 8 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
3
About 20 minutes before the chicken is done, cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4
Once the chicken is ready, serve the Cajun chicken and sauce over the cooked pasta. Garnish with chopped fresh chives if desired, and enjoy your delicious meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cajun Chicken & Pasta Delight?
It is a flavorful dish featuring chicken pieces infused with a rich Cajun alfredo sauce, tomatoes, and red bell peppers, served over bowtie pasta.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What are the slow cooker temperature settings?
You can cook the chicken and sauce on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or on LOW for 6 to 8 hours.
Should I drain the canned diced tomatoes?
No, the diced tomatoes should be used undrained to incorporate the liquid and flavors into the sauce.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces.
Is the chicken broth mandatory?
The chicken broth is optional; it is recommended to omit it if you prefer a thicker, less runny sauce.
What kind of pasta is recommended for this dish?
Dry bow tie (farfalle) pasta is the recommended shape for this recipe.
How much Cajun seasoning should I use?
The recipe requires 4 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning.
What brand of alfredo sauce is suggested?
Classico brand alfredo sauce is recommended for the best flavor profile.
How should I prepare the red bell pepper?
One medium red bell pepper should be cut into thin strips before being added to the slow cooker.
When should I start cooking the pasta?
Begin cooking the pasta about 20 minutes before the chicken is finished in the slow cooker.
What is the recommended pasta texture?
The pasta should be cooked until it is al dente, according to the package instructions.
Are there any specific canned tomatoes suggested?
The recipe recommends a 14.5 ounce can of diced tomatoes that includes green pepper, celery, and onion.
What is a good garnish for this dish?
Chopped fresh chives are an excellent optional garnish for added flavor and color.
How do I ensure the chicken is well-coated?
Mix the chicken, sauce, tomatoes, peppers, and seasoning well in the slow cooker before starting the cooking process.
What is the weight of the chicken required?
You will need 1.5 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How much pasta is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of dry bow tie pasta.
What size jar of alfredo sauce is used?
You will need one 16-ounce jar of alfredo sauce.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy dinner' because the slow cooker does most of the work.
What makes the sauce 'Cajun'?
The combination of alfredo sauce with 4 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning and tomatoes creates the Cajun flavor profile.
Can I use different colored bell peppers?
While the recipe specifies red bell pepper for its sweetness and color, you can use other colors if desired.
Is the chicken cooked before going into the slow cooker?
No, the raw chicken pieces are cooked directly in the sauce inside the slow cooker.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include cajun, slow-cooker, pasta, chicken, easy dinner, family meal, comfort food, and creamy.
Is this a good meal for a family?
Yes, it is specifically described as a satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.
What is the texture of the chicken after cooking?
The chicken should be fully cooked and tender after its time in the slow cooker.
How much chicken broth should I use if I choose to include it?
If using it, add one 14-ounce can of reduced-sodium chicken broth.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried chives?
The recipe suggests using chopped fresh chives for garnish.
How do I serve the final dish?
Serve the Cajun chicken and sauce directly over the cooked and drained bowtie pasta.
Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your heat preference.
Is this a Louisiana-style dish?
Yes, the description notes it brings the vibrant and bold tastes of Louisiana to your dining table.