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To make this dish, you need: - 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined - 8 oz (225g) penne pasta - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients blend to create a rich and creamy flavor. The shrimp adds protein, and the penne pasta gives a nice texture. You can change up the dish to suit your taste. Here are some ideas: - Bell peppers for extra crunch - Mushrooms for a hearty flavor - Zucchini for more veggies - Different pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle Adding these ingredients can make the dish unique and fun. You will need a few tools to make this dish: - A large skillet for sautéing - A crockpot for slow cooking - A cutting board and knife for prep - Measuring cups for accuracy - A serving spoon for plating Using the right tools makes the cooking process smooth and easy. Enjoy the delightful experience of crafting this flavorful dish! Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes until it looks clear. Then, add the minced garlic. Cook for an extra minute. The smell will be great! This mix adds depth to your dish. Next, transfer the onion and garlic mix to your crockpot. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Add the diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir all the ingredients together. This forms the creamy base for your pasta. Now, add the penne pasta to the crockpot. Push it down gently so it sinks into the creamy sauce. Cover the pot and set it to cook on low for 2-3 hours. Stir it once in a while to prevent sticking. After 2-3 hours, the pasta should be tender. Add the shrimp and chopped spinach to the pot. Stir gently to mix everything. Cover the pot and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes. The shrimp will turn pink when they are done. Once everything is cooked, taste your dish. Adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning. Serve the pasta in bowls and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This adds color and flavor to your meal. Enjoy your creamy Cajun shrimp pasta! Cooking pasta in a crockpot can be easy. First, use penne pasta for a great texture. Add it to the sauce, pushing it down to cover it. This helps the pasta absorb the flavors. Stir every so often to keep it from sticking. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, checking for tenderness. Timing is key, so don’t rush it. Shrimp cooks fast, so add it near the end. After the pasta is tender, stir in the shrimp. Cook for just 15-20 minutes. Look for shrimp that turns pink and curls slightly. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so watch the time closely. Fresh shrimp is best, but frozen can work too. Cajun seasoning can pack a punch. Use one tablespoon for a nice kick. If you prefer less heat, start with half a tablespoon. Taste the sauce before serving. You can always add more spice if needed. Consider serving with extra seasoning on the side for those who like it hotter. {{image_2}} You can boost this dish with veggies. They add flavor and nutrients. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Chop them into small pieces. Add them when you mix the pasta and sauce. Spinach is already in the recipe. It wilts down and blends nicely. You can also add broccoli florets for a nice crunch. This makes your meal colorful and healthy. If you want to swap the shrimp, there are great options. Chicken works well. Cut it into small pieces before cooking. You can also use sausage for a spicy twist. Tofu is a good plant-based choice. Just make sure to press it to remove extra water. Lentils or chickpeas can add protein too. These choices keep your meal tasty and filling. Penne is perfect for this dish, but feel free to change it up. You can use fusilli or rotini. These shapes hold onto the sauce well. If you prefer a lighter meal, use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free options. Cook times may vary, so check your pasta often. The goal is a tender, creamy dish that everyone will enjoy. After enjoying your meal, let the leftover pasta cool. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge. It will last for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When you are ready to enjoy leftovers, reheating is simple. Use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it moist. Stir often to heat evenly. You can also use a microwave. Just cover the dish to avoid drying out the pasta. If you've made extra, freezing is a great option. Divide the pasta into portions. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just add them directly to the crockpot. Since they are frozen, they may take a bit longer to cook. Make sure they turn pink and opaque before serving. This change won’t affect the flavor much. Shrimp cook quickly. You know they are done when they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes in the crockpot. If you see any gray or translucent parts, they need more time. This creamy dish pairs well with several sides. Consider serving it with a fresh salad. Garlic bread also complements the pasta nicely. For a lighter option, steamed green beans work well too. You can make easy swaps based on your needs. For gluten-free diets, use gluten-free pasta. If you want a dairy-free version, try coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Adjust the seasoning to fit your taste or dietary needs. In this blog post, we explored making Crockpot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta. We covered key ingredients and tools, plus how to prepare aromatics and combine everything in the crockpot. You learned tips for cooking pasta and shrimp perfectly, along with ideas to customize your dish with extra veggies or different proteins. For leftovers, I shared storage and reheating tips to keep the flavor alive. Remember, cooking is about personal flavor. Adjust spices and ingredients as you like. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Crockpot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Indulge in a creamy Cajun shrimp pasta delight that's bursting with flavor! This simple recipe combines succulent shrimp, penne pasta, and a rich sauce, all cooked in your crockpot for ultimate convenience. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a dish that's perfect for dinner any night of the week. Ready to impress your taste buds? Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this delicious meal to your table!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined

8 oz (225g) penne pasta

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup spinach, roughly chopped

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

    Prepare the Crockpot: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic mixture to the crockpot. Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

      Add Pasta: Place the penne pasta into the crockpot, gently pushing it down so it is mostly submerged in the creamy sauce.

        Cook: Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

          Add Shrimp: After the pasta has cooked for 2-3 hours, add the shrimp and chopped spinach to the crockpot. Stir to mix. Cover and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.

            Final Adjustments: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning to your preference.

              Serve: Once everything is cooked through, serve the pasta in bowls, garnishing with chopped fresh parsley.

                Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 2.5-3 hrs | Servings: 4-6