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Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake
This is such an easy midweek dinner and costs only £2.94 per portion.
SERVES
4
CALORIES
512
COOKING TIME
4 hours
DIFFICULTY
simple
Can you cook pasta in the slow cooker with chicken?
Yes, you can cook pasta in the slow cooker with chicken, but it’s best to add the pasta towards the end of the cooking time so it doesn’t go too soft. For this Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake, the chicken cooks low and slow in the Cajun spices and sauce, and the pasta is stirred in near the end to soak up all the flavour.
Do you need to cook the chicken before putting it in the slow cooker?
No, you don’t need to cook the chicken first. Just add raw chicken breasts or thighs straight into the slow cooker with the Cajun seasoning and other ingredients. The slow cooker will gently cook the chicken until it’s tender and easy to shred.
Can I freeze Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake?
Yes, you can freeze this pasta bake, but it’s best frozen before adding the pasta or just after cooking while it’s still fresh. Store in an airtight container, and when reheating, add a splash of water or milk to loosen up the sauce.
How long does chicken take in the slow cooker?
Chicken usually takes 3–4 hours on high or 6–7 hours on low in the slow cooker. For this recipe, slow cooking lets the Cajun flavours soak into the chicken, making it super tender.
What’s the best pasta for a slow cooker pasta bake?
Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni works best in a slow cooker pasta bake because it holds its shape and soaks up the sauce. Always add the pasta towards the end so it doesn’t overcook.
Method
Step 1
Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker except the peppers, parsley, mascarpone, mozzarella, and pasta. Cook on high for 3–4 hours.
Step 2
When the time’s up, cook your pasta separately, then stir it into the slow cooker along with the chopped peppers and 2 tablespoons of mascarpone. Mix everything well until creamy.
Step 3
Sprinkle grated mozzarella over the top and place the slow cooker insert under the grill for about 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
Step 4
Finish with a sprinkle of parsley, serve, and enjoy 😊
Ingredients
4 chicken breasts, cut into chunks
2 peppers, chopped
1 red onion, chopped
1 garlic cloves, minced
Handful of chopped parsley
1 tin (400g) chopped tomatoes
3 tbsp tomato puree
3 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tbsp mixed herbs
2 tbsp mascarpone
100g light mozzarella
250g spiral pasta, cooked
