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- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced into thin strips - 1 medium onion, diced finely - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 8 ounces penne pasta - 1 cup heavy cream - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs gives great flavor and keeps the dish juicy. You can swap them for chicken breasts, but they might dry out a bit. The diced tomatoes with green chilies add a nice kick. If you want more heat, try using spicy diced tomatoes. You can adjust the Cajun seasoning to suit your taste if you prefer milder flavors. I often choose Hunt’s for canned tomatoes; they have great flavor. For Cajun seasoning, Slap Ya Mama gives a balanced heat. Better Than Bouillon makes a tasty chicken broth that enhances the dish. For pasta, I like Barilla penne; it holds sauce well. Finally, Kraft Parmesan cheese is a classic choice for a good finish. First, take your boneless chicken thighs. Lay them flat at the bottom of the crockpot. Make sure they are spaced out. This helps them cook evenly. Next, slice your bell pepper into thin strips. Dice the onion finely. Mince the garlic. Layer the bell pepper, onion, and garlic over the chicken. This adds color and flavor. In a bowl, mix the diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and thyme. Stir well. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot. Set your crockpot to low. Let it cook for 6 to 7 hours. If you're in a hurry, set it to high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should be done when it easily shreds. About 30 minutes before serving, take the chicken out. Shred it into bite-sized pieces with two forks. Add uncooked penne pasta to the crockpot. Cover it and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. The pasta should be al dente. Once the pasta is ready, fold in heavy cream for richness. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and mix everything well. Taste it and add salt and pepper as needed. You can find the full recipe to guide you through each step. Enjoy this easy and flavorful dinner! For the best flavor, use fresh spices. Fresh spices add more taste than old ones. Make sure to shred the chicken after cooking. This helps mix the flavors well. Stir in the heavy cream slowly. This keeps it rich and smooth. If you like a little tang, add a squeeze of lemon juice. It brightens the dish and adds depth. A common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Chicken thighs are tender, but if cooked too long, they can dry out. Avoid skipping the heavy cream. This step adds creaminess and balances the spice. Don’t forget to taste as you cook. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Lastly, be careful with the pasta. Stir gently to prevent it from clumping. To make it spicy, add extra Cajun seasoning. You can also toss in sliced jalapeños. If you prefer mild flavors, reduce the seasoning. Use less Cajun spice or pick a milder brand. You can also add more cream to tone down the heat. Feel free to adjust the heat based on your taste. Enjoy this dish your way! For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_4}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of this dish. Replace the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Both options soak up flavors well. Just make sure to adjust cooking times. Tofu needs less time to cook, so add it in the last hour. This way, it stays firm and delicious. Feel free to add more vegetables to your pasta. Zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms are great choices. They add color and nutrition. Chop them into small pieces and add with the other veggies. This will boost the flavor and make your meal even heartier. If you need a gluten-free option, swap the pasta for gluten-free penne. There are many brands available. Check the cooking times, as gluten-free pasta might cook faster. You can also use spiralized veggies like zucchini or carrots instead of pasta for a lighter meal. This keeps the dish tasty while meeting your dietary needs. For the full recipe, you can refer to the earlier section. After enjoying your Crockpot Cajun Chicken Pasta, let it cool down. Use an airtight container to store leftovers. This keeps the flavors fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label your container with the date. This way, you will know when to eat it. To reheat, you can use the microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, place the pasta in a bowl. Heat it for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. If you prefer the stovetop, pour the pasta into a pot. Heat it on low, stirring often until warm. You may want to add a splash of cream or broth to keep it creamy. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your meal anytime! For the detailed recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Cooking Cajun Chicken Pasta in a crockpot takes about 6 to 7 hours on low. If you want it done faster, you can set it to high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred when it’s ready. Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Chicken breasts will work well but may dry out a bit more. Thighs have more fat, which keeps them moist. If you use breasts, watch the cooking time closely. Cajun Chicken Pasta tastes great with a few sides. Here are some ideas: - Garlic bread for a crunchy touch - A fresh green salad for a light bite - Steamed veggies to add color and nutrition You can make this dish ahead of time! Just prepare everything and store it in the fridge. Cook it in the crockpot when you’re ready to eat. If you want it ready in the morning, put it in the crockpot before you leave for the day. It’s that easy! For the full recipe, check the details above. This article covered the key points for making delicious Cajun Chicken Pasta. We discussed essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips. I shared ways to spice up your dish and variations for different diets. Plus, we reviewed how to store leftovers and easy reheating methods. In the end, cooking should be fun and tasty. With these tips, you'll impress everyone at the table. Enjoy making and sharing your Cajun Chicken Pasta!

Crockpot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Enjoy a flavorful meal with this Crockpot Cajun Chicken Pasta that's easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors! Featuring tender chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy goodness, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Just set your crockpot and let it work its magic! Don't miss out on this delicious dish—click through to explore the full recipe and make dinner a hit tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced into thin strips

1 medium onion, diced finely

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried thyme

8 ounces penne pasta

1 cup heavy cream

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions
 

Prepare Chicken: Begin by laying the boneless chicken thighs flat at the bottom of the crockpot, ensuring they are evenly spaced for optimal cooking.

    Add Vegetables: Layer the sliced bell pepper, diced onion, and minced garlic evenly over the chicken, creating a colorful and aromatic base.

      Mix Liquids and Seasoning: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes (along with their juices), chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and thyme. Stir until well-blended, then pour this flavorful mixture generously over the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot.

        Cook: Set your crockpot to low and let it cook for 6-7 hours, or if you're short on time, set it to high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily when it’s done.

          Remove Chicken: About 30 minutes before you're ready to serve, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the crockpot and shred them using two forks, ensuring the pieces are bite-sized.

            Cook Pasta: Stir the uncooked penne pasta into the crockpot contents. Cover and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to al dente perfection.

              Add Cream: Once the pasta is cooked, gently fold in the heavy cream to add richness to the dish. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, mixing everything together until combined. Adjust the taste by seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.

                Serve: Dish out generous portions of this creamy Cajun chicken pasta onto plates. For a finishing touch, garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese.

                  - Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 7 hours | 6 servings