If you’re looking for a soul-warming dish that perfectly blends bold Cajun spices with creamy comfort, let me introduce you to the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe. This luscious soup brings together tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a velvety, spicy broth that makes every spoonful irresistible. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a big, cozy hug on a plate and is guaranteed to become a favorite for weeknight dinners or any time you crave a satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple and straightforward, yet each plays a crucial role in building the rich layers of flavor, creaminess, and the incredible Cajun kick that defines this soup.
- Butter: Adds a silky richness to sauté the aromatics and enhances the soup’s depth.
- Small white onion: Brings a subtle sweetness and foundational flavor when sautéed.
- Garlic cloves: Infuses the broth with warm, fragrant notes that complement the Cajun spices.
- Cajun seasoning: This is the star spice blend that delivers the signature heat and smokiness.
- Chicken stock: The savory base that carries all the soup’s flavors beautifully.
- Diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds acidity and brightness to balance the creaminess.
- Heavy cream: Creates that luscious, velvety texture that coats every ingredient perfectly.
- Ditalini or small pasta: Provides comforting body and a nice bite within the soup.
- Chicken breasts or tenders: Tender protein seasoned just right to complement the broth.
- Neutral oil: Prevents sticking and helps cook the chicken evenly.
- Freshly grated Parmesan: Adds umami and helps thicken the soup slightly.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
- Green onions: The fresh garnish that brings a crisp, mild onion flavor and pretty pop of color.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, letting them cook gently for about five minutes until translucent and fragrant. This step builds the flavor foundation and brings out the natural sweetness of the onion. Then, stir in one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to coat the aromatics, releasing that vibrant spice blend’s aroma beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare Broth
Once the onions and garlic are perfectly scented and spiced, remove the pot from the heat. Pour in the chicken stock, diced tomatoes (including the juices), and heavy cream. Return the pot to the stove and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then lower the heat and let it simmer, allowing all those flavors to meld together into a creamy, savory broth.
Step 3: Cook Pasta
Next, add your dry pasta directly into the simmering pot. Stir frequently to keep the pasta from sticking and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. As the pasta absorbs the broth, it swells with flavor, becoming an integral, comforting part of the dish.
Step 4: Cook Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season the thinly sliced chicken with the remaining Cajun seasoning. Heat neutral oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken slices for 3 to 5 minutes per side until they’re beautifully browned and cooked through. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, getting it ready to swim in the luscious soup.
Step 5: Finish Soup
Turn the heat down to low and stir freshly grated Parmesan into the soup, which brings a wonderful creamy thickness and umami depth. Add the cooked chicken pieces and allow everything to simmer together for another few minutes so the flavors marry perfectly. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Just before serving, garnish with bright green onions for a touch of fresh crunch and color.
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions are the classic final touch, lending a mild sharpness and vibrant green pop that lifts the whole dish visually and flavor-wise. For extra indulgence, consider a sprinkle of more Parmesan or a drizzle of spicy chili oil to dial up the heat.
Side Dishes
This soup shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping. A simple side salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in deep bowls topped with a handful of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for an herby note. For dinner parties, offering individual bread bowls or ramekins with melted cheese on top adds an impressive, cozy touch that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool the soup completely before transferring it to airtight containers and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, during which the flavors continue to deepen.
Freezing
This soup can be frozen but it’s best to freeze it without the cooked pasta, as pasta can get mushy. Freeze the soup base and cooked chicken separately, then add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If the soup is too thick, stir in a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen it up. Add freshly cooked pasta if you froze it separately for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for the soup?
Absolutely! While ditalini works great because of its size, other small shapes like elbow macaroni, small shells, or orzo also make excellent substitutes and soak up the creamy broth beautifully.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk can work, but note the soup will be less thick and creamy. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream adds richness and a subtle sweetness, which pairs surprisingly well with Cajun spices.
Is frozen chicken okay to use?
Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture. Using fresh chicken gives the best flavor and tenderness, but properly thawed frozen chicken is a convenient option too.
Can I make this soup spicy or mild?
Definitely! You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your heat preference. For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce. For a milder version, use less seasoning or a gentler spice blend.
How do I get the creaminess without curdling the cream?
Adding the heavy cream after removing the pot from direct high heat and gently simmering helps prevent curdling. Use low heat once the cream is incorporated and avoid boiling vigorously after adding the cream for the smoothest texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe isn’t just another bowl of soup; it’s a celebration of bold Cajun flavors balanced by creamy, comforting textures that invite you to slow down and savor every bite. Once you make this, I promise it’ll make its way into your regular rotation, especially when you crave something heartwarming and full of character. So grab those ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy the delicious magic of this wonderful soup!
Print
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is a flavorful and comforting dish combining tender Cajun-spiced chicken, a creamy tomato-infused broth, and perfectly cooked ditalini pasta. With layers of spice, savory Parmesan, and fresh green onion garnish, this soup is a hearty meal ideal for lunch or dinner that comes together in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Sauté Base
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small white onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Broth and Soup
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup water
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup ditalini or other small pasta, dry
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breasts or tenders, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable oil)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Finishing Touches
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning to coat the aromatics evenly.
- Prepare Broth: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chicken stock, water, diced tomatoes with their juices, and heavy cream. Return the pot to the stove and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce to a simmer.
- Cook Pasta: Add the dry ditalini pasta to the simmering broth. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender but still firm.
- Cook Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the sliced chicken breasts with the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes per side, until fully cooked through and slightly golden. Remove from heat and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Finish Soup: Reduce heat on the soup pot to low. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Add the cooked chicken pieces to the soup and let it simmer gently for 2-3 more minutes to meld flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Serve: Ladle the creamy Cajun chicken pasta soup into bowls, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier texture.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning amount based on your preferred spice level.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid the cream curdling.
- For a thicker soup, add an extra 1/4 cup of heavy cream or reduce the broth slightly before adding pasta.
