Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp butter; 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, diced; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste); 1 small onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 2–3 garlic cloves, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1½ cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt & pepper, to taste; Optional: green onions or parsley for garnish

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This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is a comforting, spicy twist on classic chicken pasta. It’s loaded with tender chicken, sautéed veggies, and perfectly cooked pasta, all simmered in a rich, creamy broth with bold Cajun seasoning. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for cozy nights when I want something flavorful and filling.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

1 lb chicken breast or thighs, diced

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)

1 small onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

2–3 garlic cloves, minced

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1½ cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini work great)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt & pepper, to taste

Optional: green onions or parsley for garnish

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Sauté the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Cook the veggies: In the same pot, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Add broth & pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Stir in the uncooked pasta and cook according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Make it creamy: When the pasta is nearly done, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and cooked chicken. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes until heated through and creamy.

Season & serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning by adding more Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. The total time from start to finish is approximately 30 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying meal that fits well into busy schedules.

Variations

For extra heat, I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.

If I want a thicker soup, I let it simmer uncovered a little longer before adding the cream.

To make it even creamier, I stir in some cream cheese at the end.

Swap chicken for shrimp or sausage for a different protein twist.

Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm the soup gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. Avoid microwaving for too long as the cream can sometimes separate.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but I recommend thawing it fully before cooking so it sautés evenly and cooks through properly.

What pasta works best in this soup?

I prefer penne or rotini because their shapes hold the sauce and broth well. However, feel free to use any small pasta you like.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese.

How spicy is this soup?

The spice level depends on how much Cajun seasoning you add. I usually start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste, but you can add cayenne or hot sauce for more heat.

Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Yes, but I recommend adding the cream and Parmesan just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Conclusion

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup quickly became one of my favorite comfort meals. It’s easy to prepare, richly flavorful, and hits the perfect balance between spicy and creamy. Whether I’m feeding a family or just want a cozy solo dinner, this recipe never disappoints. I hope you enjoy making and savoring it as much as I do!

Recipe:

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is a comforting, spicy twist on classic chicken pasta, featuring tender chicken, sautéed veggies, and pasta in a rich, creamy broth with bold Cajun seasoning. Perfect for cozy, flavorful meals.

Instructions

Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook until browned and fully cooked, then remove and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté diced onion and red bell pepper for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in uncooked pasta and cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
When pasta is nearly done, reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and cooked chicken. Simmer for a few minutes until heated through and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper as desired. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions or parsley if using.