Go Back
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced - 1 medium onion, diced - 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) When I make Crockpot Cajun Chicken Pasta, I love to focus on the ingredients. I start with 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. These thighs are tender and juicy, perfect for slow cooking. I add a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies for a burst of flavor. The tomatoes bring moisture and a little heat. Next, I pour in 1 cup of chicken broth. This adds depth to the dish. I slice one bell pepper, either red or green, and dice one medium onion. Both vegetables add sweetness and texture. I also use three cloves of minced garlic for a fragrant kick. The spices are key. I measure out two tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, and one teaspoon of dried thyme. These spices give the dish its unique Cajun flair. For the pasta, I choose 8 ounces of penne. It holds the sauce well and makes every bite satisfying. I finish with 1 cup of heavy cream for a rich, creamy texture. Finally, I season with salt and pepper to taste. To garnish, I chop 1/4 cup of fresh parsley and have grated Parmesan cheese ready for serving. - Additional spices and seasonings - Other vegetables (e.g., zucchini or spinach) Sometimes, I like to mix in other spices. You can add cayenne for more heat or some Italian herbs for a twist. Adding vegetables like zucchini or spinach boosts nutrition and color. - Chicken alternatives (e.g., turkey or tofu) - Dairy-free options for heavy cream If you want to switch things up, use turkey instead of chicken. Tofu works well for a meat-free option. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream can replace heavy cream. To start, you will layer the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot. First, place the boneless chicken thighs at the bottom. Make sure they fit snugly. Next, add the sliced bell pepper, diced onion, and minced garlic on top. This layering helps all the flavors mix well as they cook. Now, let’s mix the liquids and seasonings. In a small bowl, combine the diced tomatoes with juices, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and thyme. Stir until everything is blended. Pour this mix over the chicken and veggies in the crockpot. For cooking, set your crockpot to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. If you want to check the chicken, it should be fully cooked and tender when done. Cooking times may change based on your crockpot model. About 30 minutes before serving, carefully remove the chicken. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Set it aside for a moment while you cook the pasta. To cook the pasta in the crockpot, stir in the penne pasta. Cover the crockpot and let it cook for 15-20 minutes. This will help the pasta soak up all the flavors. Once the pasta is tender, add the heavy cream. Mix well to combine everything. Finally, return the shredded chicken to the crockpot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Your delicious meal is almost ready! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To make shredding chicken easy, use two forks. Hold one fork in each hand. Pinch the chicken with one fork and pull it apart with the other. This method works best when the chicken is hot. For pasta, cook it just until firm. Al dente pasta has a slight bite, which makes it perfect for this dish. Stir it gently into the sauce to avoid mushiness. Adjust cooking times based on the thickness of your chicken. If your chicken is thicker, add 30 minutes to the cooking time. For thin pieces, check for doneness sooner. Meal prep is key with this dish. You can chop the veggies ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for quick assembly later. Pair your Cajun chicken pasta with a simple side salad. A fresh green salad adds crunch and balance. For a wine pairing, try a chilled Sauvignon Blanc. It complements the spice and creaminess of the pasta. If you want a red, a light Pinot Noir works well too. For the full recipe, check out the details above! {{image_2}} You can easily adjust this recipe to fit different diets. For a gluten-free option, swap the penne pasta with gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great alternatives that taste good. You can find these at most grocery stores. For low-carb options, consider using zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. These choices keep the dish light and flavorful. To add a smoky flavor, try using smoked sausage or extra smoked paprika. You can also mix in some cayenne pepper for heat. If you love cheese, feel free to get creative. Adding different cheeses, like pepper jack or gouda, can change the taste. A blend of cheeses gives a rich texture and taste. Serving your dish with crusty bread makes it perfect for soaking up the sauce. A fresh baguette or garlic bread pairs well with this meal. If you want to turn it into a casserole, bake it in the oven. Just layer the pasta and chicken in a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly. This makes for a hearty and comforting meal. Check out the Full Recipe to explore more ideas! To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh. Let the pasta cool before sealing. In the fridge, it stays good for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freezing is a great option. Simply use freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to label them with the date. This way, you know when to use them. When reheating, avoid the microwave if you can. It can make the pasta mushy. Instead, use a pot on the stove. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring gently. You can also use the oven. Place the pasta in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and heat at 350°F until warm. This method helps keep the flavors intact. In the fridge, expect leftovers to last about 3 to 4 days. After that, they may spoil. Look for signs like off smells or mold. If it smells bad or looks odd, it’s best to toss it. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. It takes about 15 minutes to prep. After that, you cook it for 6 to 7 hours on low. If you set it to high, it only takes about 3 to 4 hours. You can easily set it and forget it while you go about your day. Yes, you can! If you don’t have a crockpot, you can use a large pot on the stove. Start by cooking the chicken in the pot until it’s browned. Then, add your veggies and liquids. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes. Add the pasta and cook until it’s soft. This method takes less time but still gives you a tasty meal. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or a side of steamed broccoli. These options help balance the rich flavors of the pasta and make your meal complete. Yes, it can be! The spice level can be adjusted. If your kids prefer milder food, you can use less Cajun seasoning. You can also omit any spicy ingredients. Serve it with a side of cheese, which kids usually love, to enhance the flavor without the heat. In this blog post, we explored a tasty crockpot Cajun chicken pasta recipe. We covered the full list of ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking instructions. You also learned useful tips, variations, and storage info. Remember, cooking should be fun and easy. Experiment with flavors and make the dish your own. Enjoy the process and share this recipe with family and friends for a delicious meal!

Crockpot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Savor the flavors of the South with this Crockpot Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe that combines tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and creamy goodness all in one pot! This simple, hearty dish is perfect for creating a comforting family meal with minimal effort. Dive into a world of rich flavors and easy steps that will make your dinner a hit. Click now to explore the full recipe and enjoy a taste of Cajun cuisine at home!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 cup chicken broth

1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced

1 medium onion, diced

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: Place the boneless chicken thighs at the bottom of the crockpot.

    Add Vegetables: Layer the sliced bell pepper, diced onion, and minced garlic over the chicken.

      Mix Liquids and Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and thyme. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables.

        Cook: Set the crockpot to low and cook for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

          Remove Chicken: Approximately 30 minutes before serving, carefully remove the chicken thighs and shred them with two forks.

            Cook Pasta: Stir in the penne pasta into the crockpot and cover. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the pasta is al dente.

              Add Cream: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream. Add the shredded chicken back into the crockpot, mixing everything well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

                Serve: Spoon the creamy Cajun chicken pasta onto plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

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