This Cajun Chicken Soup Pasta is a cozy bowl of goodness! It’s packed with tender chicken, yummy pasta, and a kick of Cajun spice that warms you from the inside out.
You won’t believe how easy it is to whip this up! I love having it for dinner on chilly nights, and leftovers make a perfect lunch that brightens my day. 🍜✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe, but thighs are juicier and great for added flavor. You can also use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time.
Cajun Seasoning: This brings the dish to life! If you don’t have it, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne for a quick homemade version. Just adjust to your spice level!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, try half-and-half or evaporated milk. If dairy-free, use coconut milk for richness, or almond milk, but reduce the amount slightly to keep the texture just right.
Pasta: While rotini gives a nice twist and holds the sauce well, any pasta shape works. Macaroni, penne, or even whole grain pasta can be used as substitutes.
How Can I Perfectly Cook the Chicken?
Cooking the chicken properly is key for great flavor and tenderness. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your chicken is at room temperature before seasoning—this helps it cook evenly.
- Heat your oil until it’s shimmering, but not smoking, to avoid burning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. This ensures browning and a better texture.
- Use a meat thermometer—chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Letting the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing helps keep it juicy. Enjoy making this dish!
Cajun Chicken Soup Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 8 oz (225g) rotini pasta
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Optional: ½ tsp smoked paprika or extra Cajun seasoning for deeper flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cajun Chicken Soup Pasta takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook, making it a great choice for a quick yet hearty meal. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of warmth in less than an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. This will give the chicken a fantastic flavor right from the start!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook it until browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Once done, take the chicken out of the pot and set it aside; you’ll add it back later.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
Using the same pot, toss in the chopped onion, diced celery, and red bell pepper. Sauté the mix until the vegetables soften, which should take about 4-5 minutes. The kitchen will start smelling amazing!
4. Add Garlic and More Ingredients:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute until you can smell the garlic. Now, stir in the corn, diced tomatoes, and the remaining Cajun seasoning. If you want that extra depth of flavor, add the smoked paprika as well. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes to blend all the lovely flavors.
5. Bring on the Broth and Pasta:
Pour in the chicken broth, turn up the heat to bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook this for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
6. Cream it Up:
After the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and return the cooked chicken to the pot. Simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes until everything is heated through. Don’t forget to taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to eat, serve the soup hot and sprinkle some fresh parsley or cilantro on top for a burst of color and flavor. A little crack of black pepper enhances the taste even more. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Cajun Chicken Soup Pasta!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Shredded or diced leftover chicken works wonderfully to save time. Just add it to the soup towards the end to heat through without overcooking.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or evaporated milk will work great here. For a dairy-free version, try coconut milk or almond milk, but be sure to adjust the quantity for the right consistency.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to toss in any veggies you like, such as diced zucchini, spinach, or kale. Just make sure to add them at the right time based on their cooking time so they don’t get mushy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.
