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- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 bell pepper (either red or green), diced - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup diced tomatoes (can be canned or fresh) To start, you need boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This keeps the dish light and tender. Heavy cream and chicken broth create a rich sauce. Fresh vegetables like bell pepper, onion, garlic, and diced tomatoes add color and flavor. - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Cajun seasoning gives this dish its signature kick. Smoked paprika adds depth. Use salt and pepper to enhance all these flavors. - 8 oz penne pasta - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnishing) Penne pasta holds the sauce well. Grated Parmesan cheese adds creaminess. Fresh parsley brightens the dish and makes it look nice. Enjoy putting these ingredients together for an easy and flavorful dinner! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by layering the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Spread them out flat. This helps them cook evenly. Next, mix the creamy sauce ingredients. In a bowl, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk it all together until smooth. Pour this creamy mix over the chicken. Make sure to coat each piece well. Now it’s time to add the vegetables. Distribute the diced bell pepper, chopped onion, and diced tomatoes around the chicken. This adds flavor and color to your dish. Cover the crockpot with its lid. You can cook it on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Choose what fits your day best. About 30 minutes before serving, add the penne pasta directly into the crockpot. Stir gently to mix it with the other ingredients. After 15 minutes, check the pasta for doneness. Stir again to help it cook evenly. When the pasta is tender, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts into a creamy sauce. Taste your dish and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm, and top with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F. This step keeps your dish safe and tasty. For the perfect pasta texture, add the penne about 30 minutes before serving. Stir it in well and check it after 15 minutes. Adjust the time based on how you like your pasta. You can boost the flavor with extra spices. Try adding cayenne pepper for heat or oregano for depth. If you want to customize, swap in zucchini or mushrooms for the bell pepper. You can also use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken for a quicker cook time. For a stunning presentation, serve the pasta in deep bowls. Let the sauce pool around the chicken. Sprinkle more Parmesan on top for a rich finish. Pair it with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. A crisp white wine also complements the dish nicely. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh bell peppers, tomatoes, and herbs. They bring a brighter taste to the dish. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or opt for a mild blend. Make it a Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep! Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Experiment with Pasta: Feel free to substitute penne with other pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle for a fun twist. {{image_4}} You can swap chicken breasts for thighs. Thighs give a richer flavor. They stay juicy and tender during cooking. This choice works well for a hearty meal. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut cream. It adds a nice sweetness. For cheese, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. To make your dish milder, reduce the Cajun seasoning. Start with one tablespoon instead of two. You can also add more cream for a milder taste. If you love heat, add more seasoning. Try diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. This will kick up the spice level. While penne is great here, you can use other pasta types. Bowtie or rotini work well too. They hold sauce nicely, adding texture. For a gluten-free option, choose rice pasta or chickpea pasta. These options are tasty and keep the meal enjoyable for everyone. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure the lid seals tightly. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This keeps the flavor fresh. When you reheat, use the stove or microwave. For the stove, add a splash of chicken broth or cream. Heat it gently while stirring. This helps keep it creamy. If you use a microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir in between to make sure it warms evenly. Check the temperature before serving. In the fridge, the pasta lasts about three days. If you freeze it, it can last for up to three months. To enjoy it at its best, eat it sooner rather than later. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. To prep, layer the chicken and veggies in your crockpot. Mix the sauce and pour it over. Cover and store it in the fridge. When ready to cook, just add the pasta and set your crockpot. This method saves time on busy days. You get a great meal with little effort. You can serve this pasta with many sides. Here are some tasty ideas: - Garlic bread for a crunchy bite. - A fresh salad to balance the meal. - Steamed veggies for added nutrition. These sides complement the flavors of the pasta well. Yes, you can use whole grain pasta. This choice adds fiber and nutrients. The cooking time may differ, so check the package. Whole grain pasta may take longer to cook. Just add it to the crockpot as you would with regular pasta. Enjoy the health benefits without losing flavor! This blog post covered a delicious Crockpot Cajun chicken pasta recipe. You learned about key ingredients like chicken, cream, and spices. We went step-by-step, from prepping the crockpot to adding pasta and cheese. Tips helped you cook the chicken right and adjust textures. Feel free to customize with different ingredients or spice levels. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later. Now, you’re ready to create a tasty meal that satisfies everyone! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Crockpot Cajun Chicken Pasta

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish made with Cajun-seasoned chicken, bell peppers, and Parmesan cheese, cooked slowly in a crockpot.
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Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 6
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 whole bell pepper (either red or green), diced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (can be canned or fresh)
  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnishing)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by placing the boneless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot, ensuring they are spread out evenly to cook thoroughly.
  • In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  • Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring all the chicken is coated.
  • Add the diced bell pepper, chopped onion, and diced tomatoes around and on top of the chicken, distributing them as evenly as possible.
  • Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on the low setting for 6 hours, or on high for 3 hours, depending on your schedule.
  • Approximately 30 minutes before you plan to serve the dish, add the penne pasta directly into the crockpot. Stir gently to incorporate the pasta with the other ingredients.
  • After 15 minutes, check the pasta for tenderness and stir again. You may need to adjust the cooking time based on your preferences until the pasta reaches the desired texture.
  • Once the pasta is cooked to perfection, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it melts and creates a creamy sauce.
  • Taste the dish, adjusting the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve warm, generously garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch.

Notes

Serve in deep bowls and sprinkle with extra Parmesan for added richness.
Keyword Cajun, chicken, creamy, crockpot, pasta