Description
A rich and flavorful American-Cajun Fusion dish featuring seared chicken breasts simmered in a spicy, velvety Parmesan sauce with bell peppers and onions. Perfect for families craving restaurant-quality comfort food with minimal effort, this meal balances bold spices and creamy finishes for a premium weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
4 oz cream cheese
1 cup milk
14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes (no salt added)
1 bell pepper (diced)
1 large onion (chopped)
1 lb penne pasta
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Parmesan cheese (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken on both sides until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per side). Transfer to crock pot.
Add diced bell pepper, chopped onion, canned tomatoes, sugar, and remaining seasonings to the crock pot.
Cook on LOW for 5 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. Remove chicken and set aside.
In last hour of cooking, whisk in cream cheese and milk until melted and smooth.
Add pasta to crock pot during final 15-20 minutes of cooking.
Serve with fresh Parmesan cheese (if desired) and additional Cajun seasoning for extra flair.
Notes
Substitute chicken thighs for extra moisture and richness
Use gluten-free pasta if necessary for dietary restrictions
Add steamed broccoli or zucchini for increased vegetables
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 300
- Category: Cozy Chicken & Pasta Dinner Recipes
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American-Cajun Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 70mg