Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup with Pasta is a flavorful, creamy dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. It combines chicken and penne pasta in a spicy Cajun broth for a hearty meal that is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs Chicken Breast or Thighs, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
2–3 tbsp Cajun Seasoning, adjust based on your heat preference
2 tbsp Olive Oil, for searing the chicke
2 tbsp Butter, adds richness to the base
2 medium Bell Peppers (Red/Green), diced small
1 large Yellow Onion, finely diced
4 cloves Garlic, minced or pressed
6 cups Chicken Broth, low sodium is best
1 cup Heavy Cream, do not use milk; it will curdle
8 oz Short Pasta (Rotini/Penne), dry weight
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated for best melting
1/4 cup Fresh Parsley or Green Onions, for garnish and brightness
Instructions
- Season the chicken pieces in 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set it aside
- Add the butter to the same pot. Toss in the diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 5 minutes until soft. Add the minced garlic and the remaining Cajun seasoning, stirring for 60 seconds until the garlic is fragrant
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping all the tasty brown bits off the bottom of the pot. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil
- Add the dry pasta to the boiling broth. Reduce the heat to medium and let the pasta cook for about 2 minutes less than the package directions (al dente)
- Add the seared chicken and any resting juices back into the pot. Continue to simmer for 3-5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the pasta is tender
- Lower the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and the grated parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and the soup becomes thick and velvety
- Taste the broth and add salt or more Cajun spice if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and serve while hot
Notes
For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half.
If using shrimp instead of chicken, add them at the end of the cooking process.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: null
- Trans Fat: null
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg