Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal combining tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and perfectly cooked pasta in a spicy, creamy broth. The Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika give it a delightful kick, while Parmesan cheese adds richness. Ideal for a comforting lunch or dinner, this soup is quick to prepare and can be customized with gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Dairy and Pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 6 oz uncooked short pasta (like ditalini or small shells)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken pieces with half of the Cajun seasoning, then add them to the pot. Cook the chicken until browned and fully cooked, approximately 5–6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Spices and Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Cook for an additional 1 minute to release the spices’ aromas.
- Cook Pasta in Broth: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the uncooked short pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well until the soup is creamy and slightly thickened.
- Combine Chicken and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the pot and simmer for another 3–5 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- You can use rotisserie chicken to speed up the prep time.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter option.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
