Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a bowl of comfort that’s equal parts creamy, zesty, and soul-soothing, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is your answer. Imagine a soup that hugs you back, loaded with tender bites of spiced chicken, pasta, and colorful veggies, all swimming in a luxuriously creamy, Cajun-spiked broth. It’s got the magic of your favorite creamy pasta, the heartiness of a classic chicken soup, and the bold flavors of Louisiana in every spoonful—truly, this dish transforms an ordinary night into an event!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what goes into this incredible bowl of flavor. Each ingredient plays an important role, from building a creamy base to delivering that unmistakable Cajun kick and vibrance. And the best part? They’re all super simple, everyday kitchen staples.

  • Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps develop the flavors right from the start—go for a good splash to kick things off.
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (cubed): These soak up all the Cajun spices and turn lovely and tender in the soup.
  • Cajun Seasoning: The soul of this soup—adjust to taste for a gentle warmth or extra spicy punch.
  • Onion (diced): Forms a savory base and adds sweetness as it cooks down.
  • Red Bell Pepper (chopped): Pops of color and sweetness that beautifully balance the heat.
  • Garlic (minced): For that deep, aromatic flavor you just can’t skip.
  • Chicken Broth: Brings everything together, making the soup hearty and flavorful.
  • Diced Tomatoes (with juices): A can delivers both freshness and depth, plus those juicy tomato bits add body.
  • Pasta (penne or rotini): Any fun, short pasta works—choose your favorite shape for maximum coziness!
  • Heavy Cream: This is what transforms the soup into the creamy, dreamy delight it is.
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty richness that just melts right in.
  • Smoked Paprika: Infuses smoky warmth and a hint of color—absolutely worth it.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for tuning all the flavors just right; taste and adjust as you go.
  • Chopped Fresh Parsley or Green Onions: Garnish for that final fresh, herby snap on top.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

First things first: heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss your chicken cubes with that punchy Cajun seasoning so they’re well coated—this is where a lot of the smoky, peppery flavor comes from! Add your chicken to the hot oil and sauté for about 5 to 6 minutes, making sure each piece is golden and cooked through. Once done, scoop them out of the pot and set aside—you’ll return them to the pot for the grand finale.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In the same pot (don’t wipe out that deliciousness!), add your diced onion and chopped red bell pepper. Let them cook for 4 to 5 minutes until everything softens and the onions turn translucent, picking up all those savory bits left from the chicken. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just a minute—trust me, the smell is absolutely dreamy at this point.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Pour in your chicken broth and add the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Give it a gentle stir and crank the heat just enough to bring everything to a boil. Here’s the magic moment: add your uncooked pasta straight into the bubbling soup. Lower the heat a bit, then let it all simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is perfectly al dente and the soup has thickened up with all those flavors mingling together.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Now for the showstopper move. Return your cooked chicken (and any juices) to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and smoked paprika, and watch that broth turn dreamy and luscious before your eyes. Let everything simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes to heat through and bring it to creamy perfection. Taste and season with more Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper if you’d like—this is your moment to adjust things just the way you love!

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Ladle your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup into bowls while piping hot, then don’t hold back on the fresh parsley or green onions for that irresistible pop of color and flavor. Each spoonful is an explosion of comfort and spice!

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For the best possible finish, sprinkle every bowl generously with chopped fresh parsley or thinly sliced green onions. If you’re feeling bold, a tiny bit of extra Parmesan or even a dash more Cajun seasoning on top will take things over the top.

Side Dishes

Pairing is so much fun with this soup. A warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread is fantastic for dunking into the creamy broth. If you want something lighter, a simple side salad with lemony vinaigrette will balance the richness beautifully. Cornbread is another ultimate comfort-food pairing!

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup in a big, rustic pot at the table and let everyone ladle their own bowl. Or try serving it in bread bowls for extra wow factor! Hosting a party? Offer a toppings bar with extra cheeses, sliced jalapeños, or even hot sauce for a customizable soup experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is pure meal-prep gold! Once cooled, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta will soak up some of the liquid as it sits, so expect a thicker texture—but don’t worry, you can thin it out when reheating.

Freezing

This soup actually freezes quite well, though keep in mind the pasta may soften a little more upon thawing. For best results, freeze the soup without the pasta, then add fresh-cooked noodles when ready to serve. Use airtight freezer containers, and it’ll stay tasty for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup over medium heat on the stove, adding a splash of extra broth or cream to loosen things up as needed. Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until piping hot. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if you like—it’s good as new every time!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Soup

Absolutely! Any short pasta like fusilli, farfalle, or even macaroni works great in Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup. Just keep an eye on cooking times and adjust as needed.

Is there a way to make this soup lighter?

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream. The result will be less rich but still wonderfully creamy and flavorful.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. Toss in extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach, and perhaps add some canned white beans for protein and heartiness.

How do I adjust the spice level?

Control the heat in Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup by using more or less Cajun seasoning. You can also stir in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for an extra kick, or keep it mild if serving kids.

What can I do if my soup thickens too much after sitting?

That’s totally normal, as the pasta loves to soak up the broth! Simply stir in a little more chicken broth or water while reheating until you get the consistency you want.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you dive into making this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup—it’s a bowlful of joy that delivers comfort, excitement, and serious crave-worthy flavor every time. Whether for a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal with friends, there’s just something magical about sharing this soup. Go ahead and treat yourself and your loved ones to a little taste of Cajun-inspired comfort!

Print

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe

4.6 from 30 reviews

Indulge in a comforting bowl of Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup, a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, Cajun spices, pasta, and a creamy broth. This soul-warming soup is perfect for chilly evenings or when you crave a satisfying dish with a spicy kick.

  • Author: nadia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Cajun, American
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Soup:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
  • 1 small onion (diced)
  • 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • chopped fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning and add to the pot. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Cook the Soup: Add chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring to a boil, then add uncooked pasta. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
  4. Finish the Soup: Return chicken to the pot. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and smoked paprika. Simmer for 2–3 more minutes until creamy and heated through. Season with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve: Serve hot, garnished with parsley or green onions.

Notes

  • Adjust spice level by increasing or reducing Cajun seasoning.
  • You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
  • Leftovers thicken as they sit—add a splash of broth when reheating.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
  • Calories: 460
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 690mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Did you like this recipe?