Slow-Cooker Cajun Alfredo Recipe

Introduction

This Slow-Cooker Cajun Alfredo is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken and spicy andouille sausage simmer in a rich Cajun-spiced Alfredo sauce, all cooked effortlessly in your slow cooker.

Ingredients

• 2 (8-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 8 oz. andouille sausage, diagonally sliced 1/2 inch thick
• 8 oz. penne pasta
• 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
• 4 scallions, thinly sliced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• Finely chopped fresh parsley, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a slow cooker, combine the chicken breasts, heavy cream, chicken broth, and softened butter. Add Cajun seasoning, sweet paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to combine.
2. Step 2: Cover the slow cooker and cook on High for 2 hours, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 165°F (74°C).
3. Step 3: Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then, thinly slice the chicken.
4. Step 4: Add the sliced andouille sausage, penne pasta, and grated Parmesan to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on High until the penne is tender, about 25 to 30 minutes more.
5. Step 5: Stir in the sliced scallions and halved cherry tomatoes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
6. Step 6: Return the sliced chicken to the slow cooker. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicy Cajun seasoning blend.
• Substitute penne with rigatoni or bowtie pasta for a different texture.
• Use a mix of half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.
• If you don’t have andouille sausage, smoked kielbasa or chorizo work well as alternatives.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain a creamy texture. You may need to add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, then add the pasta and sausage, cooking until the pasta is tender. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is this dish spicy? Can I adjust the heat level?

This recipe has a moderate spice level from the Cajun seasoning and paprika. You can reduce or increase the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your heat preference or omit it for a milder flavor.

Slow-Cooker Cajun Alfredo Recipe

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4.6 from 76 reviews

This Slow-Cooker Cajun Alfredo recipe combines tender chicken breasts, creamy Alfredo sauce, spicy Cajun seasoning, andouille sausage, and penne pasta for a hearty, flavorful dish cooked entirely in the slow cooker. It’s a comforting, easy meal perfect for busy days when you want rich, creamy Cajun-inspired flavors with minimal hands-on time.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins

• 2 (8-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz. andouille sausage, diagonally sliced 1/2” thick

Dairy & Creaminess

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Liquids

• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Spices & Seasonings

• 1 tbsp. Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp. sweet paprika
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Pasta & Vegetables

• 8 oz. penne pasta
• 4 scallions, thinly sliced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

Garnish

• Finely chopped fresh parsley, for serving

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place chicken breasts, heavy cream, chicken broth, and softened butter in the slow cooker. Add Cajun seasoning, sweet paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
2. Cook Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on High heat setting for 2 hours. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, indicating it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
3. Slice Chicken: Remove chicken breasts from slow cooker and transfer to a cutting board. Let them rest and cool for 10 minutes, then thinly slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
4. Add Sausage, Pasta, and Cheese: To the slow cooker, add the diagonally sliced andouille sausage, uncooked penne pasta, and 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese. Stir ingredients to combine, then cover and cook on High for an additional 25 to 30 minutes or until the penne pasta is tender and cooked through.
5. Add Vegetables and Adjust Seasoning: Stir in sliced scallions and halved cherry tomatoes until evenly mixed. Taste the dish, then season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper if desired.
6. Return Chicken and Garnish: Return the sliced chicken to the slow cooker, stirring gently to incorporate. Garnish the Cajun Alfredo with finely chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and maintain balance with the Cajun seasoning.
• Allowing the chicken to rest before slicing helps retain its juices and keeps it tender.
• If preferred, you can swap penne pasta for another pasta shape that holds sauce well, such as rigatoni or fusilli.
• For a spicier dish, add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the slow cooker.
• This meal can be made ahead and reheated — just add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and freeze well for up to 2 months.

Keywords: Slow Cooker Cajun Alfredo, creamy Cajun pasta, slow cooker chicken recipe, Cajun sausage pasta, easy slow cooker dinners