Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is a comforting dish that combines rich Cajun flavors with creamy broth, chicken, and pasta, perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoonoil
- 1pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoonCajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoonbutter
- 1 cuponion, diced
- 1 cupcelery, diced
- 1 cupbell pepper, diced
- 4cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoonthyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoonCajun seasoning
- 6 cupschicken broth
- 1(14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1 tablespoonWorcestershire sauce (gluten-free for gluten-free)
- 8 ouncesof pasta (such as ditalini or shells) (gluten-free for gluten-free)
- 1/2 cupheavy/whipping cream (optional)
- 1/3 cupParmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan cheese), grated
- 1 tablespoonlemon juice (optional)
- 2 tablespoonsparsley, chopped (optional)
- 2green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
- Cayenne, salt, and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken seasoned with Cajun seasoning and cook for 2-4 minutes on each side until browned. Set aside.
- In the same saucepan, melt the butter and add the diced onion, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender, then add garlic, thyme, and Cajun seasoning. Cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, add diced tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and add pasta, simmering for about 7 minutes until al-dente.
- Remove the chicken, slice or shred it, and return it to the soup. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until combined.
- Squeeze in lemon juice, sprinkle with parsley and green onions, and season with cayenne, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Notes
Prep Ahead: Chop veggies and season chicken the night before.
Flavor Development: Simmer longer for richer taste.
Adjusting Consistency: Add more cream for thickness or broth for a thinner soup.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
Freezing: Leave out cream and cheese if freezing; add when reheating.
Nutrition
- Calories: 350-400
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
- Protein: 25-30 grams