This Cajun Chicken Soup Pasta is a fun twist on a classic meal! It combines tender chicken, pasta, and a kick of spicy Cajun flavors in a hearty, warm broth. Yum!
What’s great is how easy this dish is to make. Just throw everything into one pot and let it simmer. Perfect for cozy nights when you want something extra tasty with minimal cleanup!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to here as they cook quickly and are easy to cut. If you prefer, you can substitute with thighs for a juicier bite, or even use rotisserie chicken for a faster prep.
Vegetables: The onion, bell peppers, and celery create a flavorful base. If you’re out of bell peppers, you could use any other sweet pepper or even zucchini. Just adjust the cooking time based on what you choose.
Cajun Seasoning: This adds a spicy kick! If you don’t have it on hand, you can mix cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper as a substitute. Adjust based on your heat tolerance.
Pasta: Bow tie pasta works wonderfully, but you can swap it for any pasta you like, such as penne or rotini. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, use half-and-half or even almond milk. If you want a dairy-free version, coconut cream can add a nice richness, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Balance of Flavors?
The key to delicious Cajun Chicken Soup Pasta is building layers of flavors. Start with sautéing the veggies until they are soft and fragrant. This helps release their natural sweetness.
- Don’t rush the browning of the chicken; it adds depth to the dish.
- Mix in your spices and let them cook for a minute before adding broth and tomatoes. This helps meld the flavors nicely!
- While simmering, watch the pasta closely. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pot.
- Finally, adding cream right at the end keeps it rich without overcooking.
With these tips in hand, you’ll have a comforting and delicious Cajun Chicken Soup Pasta that everyone will love!
Cajun Chicken Soup Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 to 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 6 oz (170g) bow tie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cajun Chicken Soup Pasta takes about 15 minutes to prep, followed by 20 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll have a hearty meal ready in just about 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Chicken:
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes until it’s browned on all sides, but don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken pieces and set them aside.
2. Cooking the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and celery. Stir them around and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.
3. Adding Spices and Flavor:
Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, and the remaining Cajun seasoning to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for another minute until the spices are aromatic.
4. Making the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth along with the canned diced tomatoes (juices included). Bring the mixture to a boil to combine all those lovely flavors.
5. Cooking the Pasta:
Once boiling, add the pasta and the seared chicken pieces back into the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let everything simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente and the chicken is cooked through. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking!
6. Finishing Touches:
When the pasta is ready, turn off the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serving:
Serve your delicious Cajun Chicken Soup Pasta hot in bowls. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy the comfort of this flavorful dish!
This creamy, spicy Cajun Chicken Soup Pasta will warm you up and is full of hearty ingredients!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Pat it dry before searing to avoid extra moisture.
What Pasta Can I Substitute?
While bow tie (farfalle) pasta works great, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or macaroni. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose, as some may cook faster than others.
How Do 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 to keep it from drying out.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version. Just be sure to season it well to bring out the flavors!
