Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe

Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is a delightful fusion of bold Cajun spices, tender chicken, and rich, creamy broth. This hearty soup combines the comforting elements of pasta with the zesty flavors of Cajun cuisine, making it a perfect dish for any season. It’s easy to prepare, deeply satisfying, and sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions

Preparation

Prepping the Ingredients:

1. Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
2. Dice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic.
3. Grate the Parmesan cheese if not pre-grated.

Choosing the Right Equipment:

1. Use a large pot or Dutch oven.
2. Have a wooden spoon, a ladle, and a grater ready.

Cooking Instructions

Sautéing the Chicken and Vegetables:

1. In your large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced chicken and Cajun seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Making the Soup Base:

1. In the same pot, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and optional add-ins like mushrooms and celery. Cook for another 2 minutes.

Combining the Ingredients

Adding Pasta and Simmering:

1. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
2. Add the uncooked pasta and diced tomatoes. Reduce heat and simmer until the pasta is al dente, about 10-12 minutes.

Incorporating Parmesan and Cream:

1. Return the cooked chicken to the pot.
2. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.

Finishing Touches

Adjusting Seasonings:

1. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
2. Add more Cajun seasoning if you prefer a spicier soup.

Garnishing the Soup:

1. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Ideal Accompaniments:

1. Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread.
2. A side salad makes a great light accompaniment.

Presentation Tips:

1. Serve the soup in large bowls to show off its hearty ingredients.
2. Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for added flavor.

Tips for Success

Ensuring Creamy Consistency:

1. Stir the soup frequently to prevent the cheese from sticking to the bottom.
2. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor.

Enhancing the Flavors:

1. Let the soup simmer a bit longer to deepen the flavors.
2. Add a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Variations

Vegetarian Option:

1. Substitute the chicken with tofu or more vegetables.
2. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Low-Carb Option:

1. Use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of pasta.

Storage Tips

How to Store Leftovers:

1. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:

1. Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
2. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the soup has thickened too much.

FAQs

1. Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
   • Yes, any short pasta like rotini, penne, or bowtie works well.
2. How Long Does This Soup Stay Fresh?
   • It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I Freeze This Soup?
   • Yes, you can freeze it. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
4. What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
   • You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
5. Can I Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?
   • Yes, cook the chicken and vegetables as directed, then transfer to a slow cooker with the broth, tomatoes, and pasta. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then add the cream and cheese at the end.

Conclusion

Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, full of bold flavors, and versatile enough to suit different dietary needs. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious bowl of soup that will warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds!

Yield: 6

Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe

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Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is a delightful fusion of bold Cajun spices, tender chicken, and rich, creamy broth. This hearty soup combines the comforting elements of pasta with the zesty flavors of Cajun cuisine, making it a perfect dish for any season. It's easy to prepare, deeply satisfying, and sure to become a favorite in your household.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 cup bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce (gluten-free for gluten-free)
• 8 ounces of pasta (such as ditalini or shells) (gluten-free forgluten-free)
• 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream (optional)
• 1/3 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan cheese), grated
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
• cayenne, salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add the chicken, seasoned with the cajun seasoning, and cook until golden brown, about 2-4 minutes per side, before setting aside.
2. Melt the butter in the same saucepan before adding the onion, celery and bell pepper and cooking until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, thyme, and cajun seasoning, and cook until fragrant, about a minute.
4. Add the broth, chicken, diced tomatoes, worcestershire sauce, and pasta, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the pasta is al-dente tender, about 7 minutes.
5. Remove the chicken, slice or shred it, and return it to the pot.
6. Turn off the heat, add the cream and parmesan, mix and let the cheese melt into the broth.
7. Add the lemon juice, parsley and green onions, and season with cayenne, salt and pepper to taste before enjoying!