This Cajun Chicken Soup Pasta is a fun mix of flavors! It features tender chicken, zesty spices, and pasta swimming in a tasty broth that’s sure to warm you up.
Making this dish is like throwing a little party in your pot! I love how it gets everyone together for a cozy meal. Plus, it’s easy to whip up—even on busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish. If you prefer, you can use thighs for more flavor, or even swap in cooked sausage for a different twist!
Cajun Seasoning: This adds a punch of flavor. If you don’t have it, mix paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme for a homemade version. Adjust based on your spice tolerance!
Pasta: I chose rotini for its fun shape, but any pasta like penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free options will work perfectly. Just adjust cooking time as needed.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or coconut milk. Just know that using lighter cream may change the thickness a bit.
How Do I Get the Chicken Tender and Juicy?
The key to juicy chicken is not overcooking it! Here’s how:
- Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning about 15-30 minutes before cooking for flavor.
- Cook the chicken over medium-high heat; this helps to brown it quickly and keep it moist.
- Once it’s cooked through (look for no pink in the center), remove it from the pot to avoid carryover cooking.
Remember, you can always add it back to the soup later, which allows it to reabsorb some moisture while simmering!
How to Make Cajun Chicken Soup Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips or bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or your preferred pasta)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. So in just about 45 minutes, you’ll have a hearty and creamy Cajun chicken soup pasta ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning. Be sure to coat them evenly for maximum flavor!
2. Brown the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. This keeps it juicy and prevents overcooking!
3. Sauté the Veggies
In the same pot, toss in the diced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes until they are softened and a bit caramelized. Yum!
4. Add Those Aromas
Now it’s time to add in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together and cook for an additional minute until it smells amazing!
5. Create the Soup Base
Pour in the chicken broth and the drained diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil. This will form the flavorful base of your soup.
6. Cook the Pasta
Add the pasta into the pot and cook according to the package instructions—usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking.
7. Add Cream and Chicken
Once the pasta is tender, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream until fully combined. Then, return the previously cooked chicken to the pot and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes. This is the time for all the flavors to meld together. Taste and season with salt and pepper as you like!
8. Serve and Garnish
It’s time to dish up! Ladle the soup pasta into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a lovely finish. Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of Cajun Chicken Soup Pasta!
Enjoy your creamy, flavorful Cajun Chicken Soup Pasta!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken. Simply shred or chop it and add it to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through.
What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No problem! You can create a homemade version by mixing 1 teaspoon each of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjust to taste based on your spice preference!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! Just omit the chicken and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can add more veggies or even some beans for protein. Try adding kidney beans or black beans for extra heartiness!
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 if it thickens up too much.