If you are craving a dish that wraps up the cozy comfort of a creamy soup with the vibrant, spicy kick of Cajun flavors, then this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. It’s a heartwarming bowl where tender chicken, al dente pasta, fragrant sautéed onions, and the perfect blend of Cajun spices come together in a luscious, creamy broth that’s both indulgent and wildly satisfying. Every spoonful delivers a harmony of texture and taste that makes this recipe a go-to favorite for chilly evenings or whenever you want a flavorful hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are simple, yet each one plays a starring role in building up the soup’s irresistible flavor and satisfying texture. The butter and onion team up to create a fragrant base, while the Cajun seasoning brings that signature smoky heat. Cream adds the luscious finish, and pasta gives wonderful body to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Provides a rich, silky base for sautéing aromatics and building depth of flavor.
- 1 small white onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and texture that balance the spice beautifully.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers a fragrant punch that elevates the entire soup.
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided: The essential blend of spices that gives this recipe its distinctive, bold Cajun flair.
- 5 cups chicken stock (or 4 cups stock + 1 cup water): Creates a flavorful and hearty broth to carry all the ingredients.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: Brings a slight acidity and chunky texture for layers of flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds that creamy, luxurious mouthfeel that makes this soup indulgent.
- 1 cup ditalini or other small pasta, dry: Perfect bite-sized pasta that soaks up the broth and adds substance.
- 1 pound chicken breasts or tenders, thinly sliced: Tender protein seasoned with Cajun spices for that bold taste.
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil: Ideal for cooking chicken without overpowering other flavors.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan: Infuses a sharp, nutty flavor that enriches the creamy broth.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to perfect the balance of flavors.
- Green onions, sliced for garnish: Adds a fresh, crisp bite and beautiful color contrast.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once melted and shimmering, toss in the chopped white onion and minced garlic. Cook these for about 5 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Then sprinkle in half of your Cajun seasoning. This step sets the flavor foundation with warmth and spice.
Step 2: Prepare Broth
Remove the pot from heat briefly, then stir in the chicken stock, diced tomatoes with their juice, and heavy cream. Return the pot to the stove and bring the mixture to a gentle boil before reducing the heat to a simmer. This creamy, spicy broth is the soul of the soup, so let it meld beautifully here.
Step 3: Cook Pasta
Add the dry ditalini pasta directly into the simmering broth. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking. The pasta soaks up the flavorful broth, giving each bite perfect texture and taste.
Step 4: Cook Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season your thinly sliced chicken with the remaining Cajun seasoning. Heat the neutral oil in a skillet and cook the chicken over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes on each side until cooked through and beautifully seared. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces to make sure it’s easy to enjoy in every spoonful.
Step 5: Finish Soup
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the broth, enhancing the creamy texture and boosting the savory depth. Add the cooked chicken pieces to the pot and let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper to your preference. Finally, sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions not only brightens the flavor profile but also adds a lovely crunch and splash of color that makes your soup irresistible. For added indulgence, a light dusting of extra Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes can up the heat if you like things spicier.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread to sop up every last drop of that creamy Cajun goodness. For a lighter side, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a perfect balance to the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your creamy Cajun chicken pasta soup in vibrant bowls to let the colors pop. You can also ladle it into mini bread bowls for a fun, edible presentation. To impress your guests, top each serving with a sprig of fresh parsley or chives, and a drizzle of homemade hot sauce to customize the spice level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe into airtight containers and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, retaining most of its rich flavor and creamy texture.
Freezing
This soup freezes well but keep in mind that the pasta may absorb more liquid and become softer after thawing. For best results, freeze the soup without the pasta and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
Reheating
Gently warm your soup on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. You might want to add a splash of chicken stock or cream to revive the soup’s creamy texture during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While ditalini works perfectly in this soup, you can swap it for other small pastas like elbow macaroni, small shells, or orzo to suit your preference or pantry availability.
Is there a way to make this soup less spicy?
Definitely. You can reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning by half or choose a milder blend to control the heat without sacrificing flavor. Also, adding extra cream can mellow out the spices further.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Yes, using pre-cooked chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred or chop it and add it to the broth in the final simmering step. This can save time and still deliver fantastic results.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk with a bit of flour or cornstarch can work. Keep in mind, this might slightly reduce the richness and thickness of the soup.
How do I make this soup gluten-free?
Replace the pasta with a gluten-free variety, and ensure your Cajun seasoning and stock are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy all the savory goodness without worrying about gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe is a total game-changer when you want something soul-satisfying, flavorful, and downright cozy. It’s straightforward to prepare, packed with layers of bold Cajun spices, and boasts that velvety creamy broth that everyone loves. Whether sharing with family or enjoying a quiet night in, this soup is bound to become one of your trusted favorites. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup combines flavorful Cajun spices with tender chicken, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy broth. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, this hearty soup delivers layers of spicy, savory goodness with every bite.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small white onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 5 cups chicken stock (or 4 cups stock + 1 cup water)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
Pasta
- 1 cup ditalini or other small pasta, dry
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breasts or tenders, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
Finishing Touches
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 5 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Stir in 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to infuse the base with bold flavor.
- Prepare Broth: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chicken stock, undrained diced tomatoes, and heavy cream. Return the pot to heat, bringing the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer to meld all the flavors together.
- Cook Pasta: Add the dry ditalini pasta directly to the pot. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender but firm.
- Cook Chicken: While pasta cooks, season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat a skillet with neutral oil over medium heat. Cook chicken pieces for 3-5 minutes per side until fully cooked and nicely seared. Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Finish Soup: Reduce the soup heat to low. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add the cooked chicken pieces to the pot and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine flavors. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the soup will be less rich.
- Feel free to swap ditalini pasta with small elbow macaroni or acini di pepe for similar texture.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently to prevent curdling.
