Introduction
If you love rich, creamy, and flavorful soups, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is the perfect dish to try. It combines tender chicken, smoky Cajun spices, creamy broth, and hearty pasta to create a comforting bowl of deliciousness. This soup is warm, slightly spicy, and packed with bold flavors, making it a fantastic choice for chilly nights or when you need a cozy meal.
This one-pot recipe is easy to make and comes together in under 45 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a comforting meal with a kick, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup will not disappoint.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is a must-try for so many reasons. Here’s why you will love it:
- Easy to Make – This soup comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
- Rich and Creamy – A smooth, velvety broth with just the right amount of heat.
- Packed with Flavor – Cajun seasoning adds a smoky, spicy depth to every bite.
- One-Pot Meal – No need for multiple dishes. Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup easy.
- Hearty and Filling – With chicken, pasta, and creamy broth, this soup is a complete meal.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level, swap out pasta types, or add extra vegetables to make it your own.
Ingredients To Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup
Here’s What You’ll Need
For the Soup Base
- Chicken Breast or Thighs – Two cups, cooked and shredded.
- Olive Oil – Two tablespoons, for sautéing.
- Onion – One small, chopped.
- Bell Peppers – One cup, diced (use a mix of red, yellow, or green).
- Celery – Half a cup, diced.
- Garlic – Three cloves, minced.
- Cajun Seasoning – Two tablespoons, adjust for spice preference.
- Paprika – One teaspoon, adds depth to the flavor.
- Salt and Pepper – To taste.
For the Creamy Broth
- Chicken Broth – Four cups.
- Heavy Cream – One and a half cups.
- Cream Cheese – Four ounces, softened and cubed.
- Parmesan Cheese – Half a cup, grated.
- Flour – Two tablespoons, for thickening.
- Butter – Two tablespoons.
For the Pasta
- Penne or Rotini Pasta – Two cups, uncooked.
- Water – Two cups, to help cook the pasta.
Optional Add-Ins
- Andouille Sausage – One cup, sliced, for extra smoky flavor.
- Tomatoes – One can, diced, for added texture.
- Spinach or Kale – One cup, chopped, for extra greens.
How To Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
- If using raw chicken, season it with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
- Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken, let it rest, then shred it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add onion, bell peppers, celery, and garlic.
- Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
3. Add Seasonings and Broth
- Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to coat the vegetables with spices.
- Pour in chicken broth and water, then bring to a boil.
4. Add the Pasta
- Stir in the uncooked pasta and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Make It Creamy
- Lower the heat to medium.
- Add butter and flour, stirring to create a light roux.
- Pour in heavy cream and cream cheese, stirring until the cheese melts.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until fully combined.
6. Add the Chicken and Final Touches
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Simmer for 5 more minutes until everything is heated through.
- If using spinach, sausage, or tomatoes, stir them in now.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley.
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup
- Use Fresh Parmesan – It melts better and adds a richer flavor.
- Control the Spice – If you prefer a milder soup, use one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning instead of two.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Stir frequently and remove from heat once tender.
- Make It Thicker – For an even creamier texture, add an extra tablespoon of flour or reduce the broth slightly.
- For a Lighter Version – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half and reduce the cheese.
What To Serve With Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with:
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
- Cornbread – A Southern favorite with a touch of sweetness.
- Side Salad – A fresh, crisp salad balances the richness of the soup.
- Steamed Vegetables – Lightly steamed broccoli or asparagus adds extra nutrition.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving, based on six servings.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 500 – 550 kcal |
| Protein | 35 – 40 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 – 50 g |
| Fat | 22 – 28 g |
| Fiber | 3 – 5 g |
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used.
Essential Kitchen Tools for This Recipe
To make this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup, you will need:
- Large Soup Pot – A deep pot for cooking the soup.
- Wooden Spoon or Ladle – For stirring and serving.
- Sharp Knife – For chopping vegetables and chicken.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – To ensure accurate measurements.
- Grater – For freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Paula Deen Chicken Casserole With Ritz Crackers
- Paula Deen Meatloaf With Ritz Crackers
- Meatball Pasta Recipe Creamy
- Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole with Bow Tie Pasta
- Shrimp Pineapple Fried Rice
- Ham and Pineapple Fried Rice
- Blackstone Chicken Fried Rice
- Ground Beef Fried Rice
- Korean Beef Fried Rice
- Chicken Pineapple Fried Rice
FAQs
1. Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes. Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
2. Can I Freeze This Soup?
It is best to freeze the soup before adding the pasta. When reheating, cook fresh pasta and add it just before serving.
3. Can I Use Store-Bought Cajun Seasoning?
Yes. You can also make your own by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
4. Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely. Rotini, bowtie, or elbow macaroni work great in this recipe.
5. How Can I Make It Less Spicy?
Use mild Cajun seasoning and reduce the amount of paprika and cayenne.
Recipe Cards
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup
Equipment
- Large Soup Pot – A deep pot for cooking the soup
- Wooden Spoon or Ladle – For stirring and serving
- Sharp Knife – For chopping vegetables and chicken
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate measurements
- Grater: For freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
- Chicken Breast or Thighs – Two cups cooked and shredded
- Olive Oil – Two tablespoons for sautéing
- Onion – One small chopped
- Bell Peppers – One cup diced (use a mix of red, yellow, or green)
- Celery – Half a cup diced
- Garlic – Three cloves minced
- Cajun Seasoning – Two tablespoons adjust for spice preference
- Paprika – One teaspoon adds depth to the flavor
- Salt and Pepper – To taste
For the Creamy Broth:
- Chicken Broth – Four cups
- Heavy Cream – One and a half cups
- Cream Cheese – Four ounces softened and cubed
- Parmesan Cheese – Half a cup grated
- Flour – Two tablespoons for thickening
- Butter – Two tablespoons
For the Pasta:
- Penne or Rotini Pasta – Two cups uncooked
- Water – Two cups to help cook the pasta
Optional Add-Ins:
- Andouille Sausage – One cup sliced, for extra smoky flavor
- Tomatoes – One can diced, for added texture
- Spinach or Kale – One cup chopped, for extra greens
Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
- If using raw chicken, season it with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
- Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken, let it rest, then shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add onion, bell peppers, celery, and garlic.
- Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
Add Seasonings and Broth:
- Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to coat the vegetables with spices.
- Pour in chicken broth and water, then bring to a boil.
Add the Pasta:
- Stir in the uncooked pasta and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Make It Creamy:
- Lower the heat to medium.
- Add butter and flour, stirring to create a light roux.
- Pour in heavy cream and cream cheese, stirring until the cheese melts.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until fully combined.
Add the Chicken and Final Touches:
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Simmer for 5 more minutes until everything is heated through.
- If using spinach, sausage, or tomatoes, stir them in now.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley.
Notes
- Use Fresh Parmesan – It melts better and adds a richer flavor.
- Control the Spice – If you prefer a milder soup, use one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning instead of two.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Stir frequently and remove from heat once tender.
- Make It Thicker – For an even creamier texture, add an extra tablespoon of flour or reduce the broth slightly.
- For a Lighter Version – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half and reduce the cheese.
Conclusion
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together bold flavors, creamy texture, and hearty ingredients in one bowl. Whether for a cozy dinner or a meal-prep favorite, this soup is a must-try.
Try this delicious and creamy Cajun-style soup today and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal that your whole family will love.
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