Name: Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 300 min
Total time: 315 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound chicken breasts; 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into 1 inch pieces; 3 cups heavy cream; 4 cups low sodium chicken broth; 4 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons coarse Cajun seasoning; 2 cloves garlic, smashed; 1 pound uncooked penne pasta; 1/2 cup hot water; 8 oz freshly shredded parmesan cheese; Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste; Garlic powder, to taste

Jump to Recipe

Craving a creamy, spicy, and utterly satisfying dinner that practically cooks itself? Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo is your perfect answer. This dish combines the bold kick of Cajun seasoning with the rich, velvety luxury of Alfredo sauce, all simmered together with juicy chicken and smoky sausage. The first time I made this for my family, there was absolute silence at the table—always a sure sign that everyone is too busy eating to talk! I love how the slow cooker works its magic, making complex flavors simple and accessible for even the busiest weeknights.

Like our reader-favorite One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta, this recipe manages to turn basic pantry staples into a meal that feels restaurant-worthy. If you love hearty, crowd-pleasing dinners that don’t require hours of prep, you’ll want to add Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo to your weekly rotation. Get ready to earn rave reviews from everyone at your table!

What is Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo?

So, what exactly is Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo? Let’s break it down with a wink and a nod. Imagine if Cajun jambalaya and classic Alfredo pasta went on a date and decided to throw a creamy, saucy party in your slow cooker. That’s the magic here! The “Cajun” brings heat and character, while “Chicken Alfredo” promises comfort food you know and love. Why do we call it this? Well, they say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach—but this dish will win over absolutely everyone! Don’t just take my word for it, though; try making it tonight and see who comes running to the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This

There are plenty of reasons to fall head over heels for Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo. First, the biggest highlight has to be its irresistible, creamy Cajun sauce—bold, savory, and perfectly complementing juicy chunks of chicken and smoky sausage. Making this at home isn’t just easy; it saves you from expensive restaurant trips. Just gather a few pantry staples and let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting!

Let’s not forget the fun toppings and flavorful mix-ins: freshly shredded parmesan, a sprinkle of parsley, and that signature Cajun spice. Compared to our beloved Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, this recipe brings the heat and a taste of New Orleans right to your kitchen. Give it a try—your wallet will thank you, and your taste buds will celebrate!

How to Make

Quick Overview

Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a fuss-free recipe that delivers big, bold flavors with minimal effort. It stands out for its creamy parmesan sauce, smoky sausage, and perfectly tender chicken—all cooked together in the slow cooker, making this meal both easy and satisfying. The actual prep time is under 15 minutes, and then your slow cooker handles the rest while you take care of your day. Rich, comforting, and perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests, it’s a true set-it-and-forget-it dinner win.

Bowl of Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo garnished with parsley and parmesan

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound chicken breasts
1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into 1 inch pieces
3 cups heavy cream
4 cups low sodium chicken broth
4 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons coarse Cajun seasoning
2 cloves garlic, smashed
1 pound uncooked penne pasta
1/2 cup hot water
8 oz freshly shredded parmesan cheese
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Garlic powder, to taste

Step-by-Step

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by slicing the smoked sausage into 1-inch rounds and smashing the garlic cloves. Trim any excess fat from your chicken breasts if needed.
Layer in the Slow Cooker: Drizzle the olive oil in the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the chicken breasts inside, then cover with sausage slices.
Add Seasonings & Liquids: Sprinkle on your Cajun seasoning (adjust for desired spice), add a dusting of garlic powder, and season lightly with salt and black pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Dot the butter evenly over the mixture, and tuck in the smashed garlic cloves for extra flavor.
Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Avoid lifting the lid too much during this time—let those flavors meld!
Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken breasts, shred with two forks, and return to the slow cooker, stirring well to combine.
Add Pasta: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta and hot water. Replace the lid and continue cooking on high for about 20-30 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring once or twice if possible to prevent sticking.
Finish with Cheese: Just before serving, add the shredded parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve: Ladle into bowls, top with extra parmesan, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions if you’d like.

What to Serve Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo With

Pair your Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo with a fresh crisp green salad topped with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette—the cool contrast is perfect with the warmth of the pasta. For something extra, serve warm, crusty garlic bread or a buttery baguette to mop up every bit of sauce. If you like a veggie side, consider simple steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus. For drinks, a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling lemonade complements the creamy, spicy flavors perfectly.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your heat preference, and use smoked sausage for another layer of depth—turkey sausage works well if you’re cutting back on calories.
Make sure your pasta is truly al dente—it will keep absorbing liquid as it sits, so don’t overcook!
After shredding the chicken, mix well for even distribution of flavors.
Want a lighter version? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduced-fat parmesan.
If you’re prepping ahead, you can slice the sausage and measure out the seasonings the night before to save time in the morning.
Common pitfall: adding the pasta too early will make it mushy. Always wait until the last 20-30 minutes.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring regularly. For microwave reheating, cover and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above, adding extra liquid if needed to restore the creamy texture. Note that pasta may soften a bit after freezing, but flavors will still be delicious!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne is ideal here, but rotini, rigatoni, or fettuccine all work nicely—just adjust cooking times as needed.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
You can substitute coconut milk for heavy cream and use dairy-free parmesan, though the flavor and texture will be a bit different.

Can I cook this on high for less time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and sausage mixture on high for about 2-3 hours before adding the pasta.

How spicy is the Cajun seasoning?
Cajun seasoning varies, so start with less if you’re spice-sensitive—you can always add more at the end.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms make great additions. Add quick-cooking veggies when you add the pasta.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a dinner dream come true—creamy, spicy, and full of comforting flavors that everyone will love. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, special occasions, or meal prepping ahead. Whether you’re new to slow cooker meals or a seasoned pro, this dish brings big rewards with little effort. Pair it with your favorite sides, follow our pro tips, and don’t be afraid to make it your own. Give this recipe a try and discover a new family favorite that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!