Indulge in a hearty bowl of Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup, a delicious blend of creamy pasta, zesty Cajun spices, and tender chicken. Perfect for a comforting meal, this flavorful soup combines rich ingredients and spices to warm you up on any day.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter
1 small white onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup ditalini or other small pasta, dry
1 pound chicken breasts or tenders, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup heavy cream
5 cups chicken stock (or 4 cups stock + 1 cup water)
1 tablespoon neutral oil
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Green onions, sliced for garnish
Directions:
Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to infuse the flavors.
Prepare Broth: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chicken stock, diced tomatoes, and heavy cream. Return to heat, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Cook Pasta: Add the dry pasta to the pot, stirring regularly for about 10 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
Cook Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken with the remaining Cajun seasoning. Heat neutral oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes per side until fully cooked. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Finish Soup: Reduce the heat of the soup to low. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan and add the cooked chicken pieces. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving Tips:
Garnish Generously: Add a sprinkle of sliced green onions and extra Parmesan cheese on top of each serving for an extra burst of flavor and a touch of elegance.
Accompaniments: Serve the soup with crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. A simple side salad can also complement the rich flavors of the soup.
Temperature: For the best experience, serve the soup hot. Reheat gently if it has been stored or refrigerated.
Storage Tips:
Cooling: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation and potential spoilage.
Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to stir well before serving as the pasta may absorb some of the liquid and thicken.
Freezing: If you want to freeze the soup, keep in mind that the pasta may become mushy upon thawing. To minimize this, consider freezing the soup without the pasta and cooking the pasta separately when you’re ready to serve. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: When reheating, do so gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring frequently. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken stock or water to reach your desired consistency.
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FAQs:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute the ditalini with other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, orzo, or mini shells. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose, ensuring it’s tender but not overcooked.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup a day in advance. Just follow the recipe, let the soup cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the stove, adding a bit of chicken stock or water if the soup has thickened.
Can I make this soup without heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or a non-dairy milk alternative. Keep in mind that using lower-fat options or non-dairy milk may alter the creaminess of the soup slightly, so you might need to adjust the seasoning or add a bit more Parmesan cheese for richness.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?
To adjust the spiciness, you can modify the amount of Cajun seasoning used. Start with less seasoning and taste the soup as it cooks, adding more if needed. For a milder version, use a Cajun seasoning blend with lower heat or reduce the amount of seasoning entirely.
Conclusion:
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is not only packed with flavor but also offers a satisfying meal with its creamy texture and spicy kick. The combination of tender chicken, small pasta, and Parmesan cheese makes each bowl a comforting delight. Enjoy this soup as a perfect weeknight dinner or a special treat for any occasion!
📖 Recipe:
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
If you’re craving a hearty and flavorful soup that combines creamy pasta, zesty Cajun spices, and tender chicken, look no further than this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup. Perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly evening, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
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
1 cup ditalini or other small pasta, dry
1 pound chicken breasts or tenders, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon neutral oil
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. Sauté onion and garlic for about 5 minutes, then stir in 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning.
- Prepare Broth: Remove from heat and stir in chicken stock, diced tomatoes, and heavy cream. Return to heat, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook Pasta: Add dry pasta to the pot, cooking for about 10 minutes while stirring regularly.
- Cook Chicken: Season chicken with remaining Cajun seasoning. Cook in a skillet with oil over medium heat for 3-5 minutes per side. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Finish Soup: Reduce heat to low, stir in Parmesan, and add chicken pieces. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with green onions and serve.
Notes
Adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of Cajun seasoning used.
For a creamier soup, use full-fat heavy cream or add extra Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 744 kcal per serving
