Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, spicy Cajun seasoning, creamy broth, and pasta in one comforting bowl. It’s a perfect meal for chilly days or whenever you’re craving a comforting, spicy treat. The balance of heat from the Cajun spices and the richness of the creamy base makes this soup a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• (Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Cajun seasoning
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Crushed tomatoes
• Pasta (penne or rotini works well)
• Salt and pepper
• Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the Cajun seasoning and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to bloom.
4. Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, and crushed tomatoes. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the soup to a simmer, then add the pasta. Cook according to the pasta’s package instructions until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
6. While the pasta is cooking, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot.
7. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the soup from the heat. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

• Add sliced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
• Use shrimp instead of chicken for a different take on the dish.
• For a spicier version, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm it in a pot over low heat, adding a little extra broth or cream if necessary to reach the desired consistency.
This soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup stores well in the fridge and can be made up to 2 days ahead. Just reheat it when ready to serve.

What kind of pasta works best?
Penne or rotini are ideal for this soup, but you can use any short pasta shape you prefer.

Can I make this soup without heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the texture will be a little lighter.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and richness to the soup.

Is this soup very spicy?
It has a mild to moderate level of spice due to the Cajun seasoning, but you can adjust the heat by using more or less, depending on your preference.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is a perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and comforting, making it an ideal meal for any occasion. The rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it a satisfying dish that will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation.

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