This Cajun Chicken Soup Pasta is a warm and tasty meal in a bowl! With juicy chicken, veggies, and pasta swimming in a spicy broth, every bite is comforting and flavorful.
What I love most is how quick it is to whip up! Perfect for a busy weeknight or when you need a hug in food form. Don’t forget the crusty bread to soak up all that yummy broth!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is ideal due to its quick cooking time. However, you can use thighs for more flavor or even shrimp for a seafood twist!
Cajun Seasoning: This spice blend gives the soup its kick! If you’re out, make your own using paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and oregano. Adjust to your heat preference!
Cream: I love using heavy cream for a rich texture, but you can swap it with half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter or dairy-free option.
Pasta: Rotini works well as it captures the soup’s broth. You can also use bowties or even whole wheat pasta if you want something heartier.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from the Vegetables?
Sautéing the vegetables properly is key to developing a deep, rich flavor. Follow these steps:
- Start with a hot pot and enough oil to coat the bottom.
- Add the onions and cook for about 4-5 minutes until they turn translucent.
- Add the bell pepper and celery next, cooking until soft. This layering builds flavor!
- Finish with garlic just until fragrant, usually about a minute.
This technique warms up the veggies, letting their natural sweetness come out, which helps build the soup’s flavor base!
Delicious Cajun Chicken Soup Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup rotini pasta (or other short pasta)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping your ingredients, and around 20 minutes cooking – a quick and hearty option for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the cut chicken pieces with 1/2 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. This adds instant flavor to the chicken, which will be the star of your soup!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot you used for the chicken, add diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté these for 4-5 minutes until they soften. The flavors from the chicken will mix with the veggies, making this even tastier!
4. Add Garlic:
Now, toss in minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. Garlic makes everything better!
5. Combine Soup Ingredients:
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, smoked paprika, dried thyme, the rest of the Cajun seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil.
6. Cook the Pasta:
Once boiling, add your rotini pasta. Cook according to its package instructions until al dente, which should take about 8-10 minutes. The pasta will absorb all those amazing flavors!
7. Make It Creamy:
After the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. This will give you a rich and creamy broth that makes this soup so comforting!
8. Combine Chicken and Simmer:
Return the cooked chicken back into the pot. Allow everything to simmer together for an additional 3-5 minutes to meld the flavors and warm the chicken thoroughly.
9. Taste and Adjust:
Taste your soup and feel free to adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or more Cajun spice to kick up the heat if desired!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot! Garnish each bowl with sliced green onions and optional fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
Enjoy your flavorful, spicy, creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Pasta! Perfect for sharing with family or enjoying cozy nights in.
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding onto the broth, you can substitute with any short pasta like penne or fusilli. Just keep an eye on the cooking times as they may vary slightly!
Is This Recipe Freezable?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool, then store in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Definitely! You can replace the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or a cashew cream for a rich, creamy texture without the dairy.
How Do I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or substitute it with a milder seasoning blend. You can also serve with a side of sour cream or Greek yogurt to help temper the spice in each bowl!
