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- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 bell pepper (red or green) - 1 small onion, sliced thin - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 cup heavy cream - 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese For those with common allergens or preferences, you can swap the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Use gluten-free pasta if needed. I recommend brands like Swanson for chicken broth, and Del Monte for canned tomatoes. These brands offer great flavor and quality. By using fresh ingredients, you enhance the overall taste. Fresh herbs like parsley add a burst of color and flavor to your dish. Enjoy cooking this delicious meal! First, take 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. In a bowl, add 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Mix well, so each piece is fully coated. This seasoning gives the chicken its bold flavor. Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want a nice golden brown color. This step adds depth to the dish. After searing, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Now, let’s move to the slow cooker. Start by layering sliced bell pepper, thinly sliced onion, and minced garlic at the bottom. You can choose red or green bell pepper for color. Next, place the seared chicken thighs on top of the veggies. Pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth and the 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. This will add moisture and flavor. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for about 4-5 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked. Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. This helps the flavors blend well. Now, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and add 8 oz of uncooked fettuccine or penne pasta directly into the slow cooker. Cover it again and cook on high for another 30-40 minutes. The pasta will soak up all the tasty flavors. If the mixture is thick, add more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. Once done, taste and adjust with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. - To achieve perfectly tender chicken, always use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay juicy and flavorful. Sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side before adding them to the slow cooker. This step adds great taste and texture. - Slow cookers can vary in heat levels. If your cooker runs hot, check the chicken at 4 hours. If it runs cool, you may need up to 5 hours. Always ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safe eating. - For added depth, try adjusting the Cajun seasoning. If you love heat, add more. If you're cooking for kids, use less. You can also mix in other spices like smoked paprika or cayenne for extra flavor. - Garnishing is key for visual appeal. Use fresh parsley to add a pop of color. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese gives a creamy touch. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil on top before serving for a nice finish. {{image_4}} - Gluten-free alternatives for pasta: You can swap regular pasta with gluten-free options. Look for rice or corn-based pasta. These work well and keep the dish tasty. - Vegetarian/vegan options: To make this dish vegetarian, use plant-based protein. Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth for a full flavor. - Exploring spice levels or ingredient swaps: If you like more heat, add extra Cajun seasoning. For a milder taste, reduce the seasoning. You can also try different herbs like thyme or oregano for added depth. - Suggestions for additional vegetables: You can mix in other veggies to boost nutrition. Consider adding spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. They bring great flavor and color to your dish. To store leftovers safely, first let the dish cool down. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tight to keep out air. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a better option. Freezing this dish is simple. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can. Label the bag with the date so you know when you made it. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it on the stove or in the microwave. Stir well to ensure even heating. If it looks too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to get the right texture. How can I make this recipe spicier? To add more heat, use extra Cajun seasoning. You can also add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Adjust to your taste for the perfect kick! Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just remember to extend the cooking time. Make sure the chicken reaches a safe temperature before serving. What can I serve with Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta? This dish pairs well with a green salad or garlic bread. You can also serve it with a side of steamed veggies to balance the meal. Breakdown of calories, protein, carbs, and fats - Calories: Approximately 600 per serving - Protein: 35g - Carbohydrates: 45g - Fats: 30g Health benefits of the main ingredients - Chicken thighs provide lean protein, which helps build muscle. - Bell peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, boosting your immune system. - Garlic has health benefits, including heart health and anti-inflammatory properties. - Heavy cream adds richness but should be enjoyed in moderation due to its fat content. In this blog post, we explored the ingredients and step-by-step instructions for Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta. I shared tips for cooking and enhancing flavor while providing dietary variations. You learned how to store leftovers safely and what to expect for shelf life. Embrace this recipe for a comforting dish that's easy to make. With slight adjustments, you can cater to various diets or spice levels. Enjoy the rich taste and simple preparation that brings satisfaction to your table. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta

Dive into the delicious world of Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta Delight! This easy recipe combines juicy chicken thighs, vibrant bell peppers, and creamy sauce for a comforting meal full of flavor. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it's a delightful dish everyone will love. Ready to spice up your dinner table? Click through now to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game! #CajunCuisine #PastaRecipes #DinnerInspiration #ComfortFood
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Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 bell pepper (choose red or green for color)

1 small onion, sliced thin

3 cloves garlic, minced finely

1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)

1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 cup heavy cream

8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta (your choice)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for vibrant garnish)

Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, evenly coat the chicken thighs with Cajun seasoning, ensuring every piece is well-seasoned for that perfect kick.

    Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the pan and sear them for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a beautiful golden brown color. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Begin layering in the slow cooker by spreading sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic evenly at the bottom. Place the seared chicken thighs on top of the vegetables. Pour the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies over everything.

        Cook: Securely cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Allow it to cook for about 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked, making sure all flavors meld beautifully.

          Shred the Chicken: After cooking, remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then return the shredded chicken back into the pot for even flavor distribution.

            Add Cream and Pasta: Stir in the heavy cream and add the uncooked pasta directly into the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker again and cook on high for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to tender perfection. If the mixture seems thick, feel free to add more chicken broth to achieve your desired consistency.

              Taste and Season: Once the pasta reaches the desired doneness, taste the dish and adjust with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors as needed.

                Serve: Using a ladle, portion the pasta into bowls, garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese on top for that finishing touch.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 5 hours | Servings: 4-6

                    - Presentation Tips: For an elegant presentation, serve your pasta in shallow bowls and drizzle a bit of olive oil on top before garnishing with parsley and Parmesan. Adding a slice of crusty bread on the side can elevate the meal even more!