I love how this Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo brings together creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce with the bold, spicy flavors of Cajun seasoning. It’s an effortless meal that simmers all day in the slow cooker, making dinner ready whenever I want without much hands-on time. Perfect for those busy days when I want comfort food with a little kick.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What really makes this dish stand out for me is the balance between the creamy Alfredo sauce and the Cajun spice—it’s rich but never overwhelming. Using the slow cooker means the chicken becomes incredibly tender and soaks up all those amazing flavors. Plus, it’s simple to prepare ahead and leaves me with minimal cleanup. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s great for family dinners or when friends come over.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Cajun seasoning
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Heavy cream or half-and-half
- Cream cheese
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Chicken broth
- Olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper
- Fettuccine or pasta of choice
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Season the chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning on both sides.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat and lightly brown the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side to lock in flavor (optional but recommended).
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Add minced garlic, chicken broth, cream cheese, and heavy cream around the chicken. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, cook the fettuccine or your preferred pasta according to package instructions. Drain and toss with the Cajun chicken Alfredo sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves about 4 people. Prep time is around 10-15 minutes, with slow cooker cooking time between 2-6 hours depending on the heat setting. It’s perfect for setting up in the morning and coming home to a ready-made meal.
Variations
- I sometimes swap chicken thighs for breasts if I want a juicier texture.
- For a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Adding sautéed bell peppers and onions gives it extra color and flavor.
- If I want more heat, I add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra Cajun seasoning.
- I’ve also made it with shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
Storage/Reheating
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave to keep the texture smooth and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but I recommend cooking it on the low setting for 6-8 hours to ensure it cooks thoroughly.
What type of pasta works best with this sauce?
Fettuccine is classic for Alfredo, but I also like penne or rigatoni because they hold the sauce well.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cream cheese and Parmesan alternatives, but the flavor will be different.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. I like mine moderately spicy but you can adjust by using less seasoning or adding more for extra heat.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Definitely. I often prep the ingredients the night before and start the slow cooker in the morning, making it very convenient.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo has become one of my favorite go-to comfort meals. It’s easy, flavorful, and comes together with minimal effort. The creamy sauce combined with the bold Cajun spice never fails to satisfy, and the slow cooker makes dinner prep stress-free. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do.
PrintSlow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo
A creamy and spicy Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo that combines tender chicken simmered in a rich Alfredo sauce with bold Cajun seasoning for an effortless, flavorful comfort meal.
- Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
- Total Time: 4-6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2–3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning on both sides.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat and lightly brown the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side to lock in flavor (optional but recommended).
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Add minced garlic, chicken broth, cream cheese, and heavy cream around the chicken. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, cook the fettuccine or your preferred pasta according to package instructions. Drain and toss with the Cajun chicken Alfredo sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier texture.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Add sautéed bell peppers and onions for extra flavor and color.
- Adjust the spice level by adding cayenne pepper or extra Cajun seasoning if desired.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with added cream or milk to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg