This Cajun Chicken Soup Pasta is a warm and zesty treat! It combines juicy chicken, delightful pasta, and spicy Cajun flavors that dance in your mouth.
Making this dish is a breeze! I love how it warms me up on chilly days, and the best part? You can easily make it as spicy or mild as you like. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts are great for this dish as they cook quickly and stay tender. You can also use thighs for more richness or rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
Cajun Seasoning: This brings all the flavor! If you’re low on it, mixing equal parts paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne can work well. Adjust heat based on your taste.
Pasta: Rotini is perfect because it holds the sauce well. However, any short pasta like fusilli, penne, or shells will work well too!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative. This will still give you a creamy texture but with fewer calories.
How Do I Make the Best Cajun Chicken Soup?
For the best results, focus on the various stages of cooking to build depth of flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Season Chicken Well: Coating the chicken with seasoning ensures each bite is flavorful. Allow it to sit for a few minutes if you have time.
- Don’t Rush the Vegetables: Sautéing onions and bell peppers until soft releases their natural sweetness, adding to the overall taste.
- Control the Heat: After adding cream, avoid boiling the soup. A gentle heat helps keep it creamy without curdling.
Enjoy this soup on a chilly day, or any day you want to spice things up!
How to Make Cajun Chicken Soup Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup rotini pasta (or other short pasta)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and around 30 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll need about 40 minutes from start to finish to enjoy this delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning until they are evenly coated. This step is vital for infusing great flavor into the chicken!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same pot, throw in the chopped onion and diced green bell pepper. Sauté for around 3-4 minutes until they are tender. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute till it’s fragrant.
4. Create the Soup Base:
Stir in the can of diced tomatoes (with juice), the chicken broth, smoked paprika, dried thyme, the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, as well as some salt and black pepper. Bring this flavorful mixture to a boil!
5. Add the Pasta:
Once it’s boiling, add the rotini pasta. Reduce the heat to medium and let it cook until the pasta is tender, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
6. Combine the Cream and Chicken:
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and the cooked chicken pieces back into the pot. Gently heat for 2-3 minutes while ensuring not to boil after adding the cream to avoid curdling.
7. Final Adjustments:
Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. This is your chance to make it just right!
8. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the soup pasta hot in bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor!
Enjoy the creamy, spicy flavors of this comforting Cajun Chicken Soup Pasta! It’s perfect for any day when you need a little warmth and happiness in a bowl.
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works great because it holds onto the sauce, you can substitute it with any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or even shell pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you’re using!
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make a delicious vegetarian version, simply skip the chicken and use chickpeas or tofu instead for protein. You can also add extra veggies like carrots, celery, or zucchini for added flavor and texture!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes, you can! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up, as the pasta may absorb some liquid when stored.
What If I Want More Heat?
If you love spice, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when cooking. You can also use a spicier Cajun seasoning or even add some sliced jalapeños for an extra kick!