Name: Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon oil; 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 cup onion, diced; 1 cup celery, diced; 1 cup bell pepper, diced; 4 cloves garlic, chopped; 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes (optional); 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 8 ounces pasta; 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream (optional); 1/3 cup Parmigiano Reggiano (parmesan cheese), grated; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional); 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (for garnish); 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional); Cayenne, salt, and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup

Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is a delightful dish that envelops you in warmth and comfort with each spoonful. This savory soup combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and zesty Cajun spices, all simmered together in a rich, delectable broth. With a creamy texture and a hint of spice, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly day or impressing your family with a special meal, this mouthwatering soup is worth making.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the ease with which it can be prepared. It’s a perfect example of how a few quality ingredients can transform into a hearty meal. Let’s dive into this step-by-step guide to make your cooking journey enjoyable and effortless!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup offers numerous benefits that make it a must-try for any home cook. First and foremost, the prep is incredibly easy, making it accessible to both novice and seasoned chefs. You’ll appreciate the minimal ingredient list, which still delivers a flavor punch that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Another reason to love this recipe is its family-friendly nature. The rich creaminess and satisfying noodles appeal to all ages, meaning no one is left out of enjoying this hearty comfort food. Additionally, it’s a relatively quick dish to prepare, especially if you opt for pre-cooked chicken, allowing you to serve a wholesome meal in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients for Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup

To create this delightful soup, gather the following ingredients:

1 tablespoon oil
1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup onion, diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 cup bell pepper, diced
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon thyme, chopped
6 cups chicken broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes (optional)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (ensure gluten-free if needed)
8 ounces pasta (feeling adventurous? Choose gluten-free pasta)
1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream (optional for extra creaminess)
1/3 cup Parmigiano Reggiano (parmesan cheese), grated
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional for a zesty kick)
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (for garnish)
2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional for extra flavor)
Cayenne, salt, and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Directions for Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup

Prepare the Chicken: Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and cook until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust, approximately 2-4 minutes per side. Once cooked, set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, melt the butter and add the diced onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook these vibrant vegetables until they are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Aromatics: Stir in the garlic, thyme, and remaining Cajun seasoning, cooking until fragrant for about 1 minute. The aroma at this stage is simply irresistible!
Craft the Soup Base: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the cooked chicken, diced tomatoes (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat, allowing it to simmer until the pasta is al dente, roughly 7 minutes.
Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken from the pot. Once it’s cool enough to handle, slice or shred it, then return it to the pot.
Add Creaminess: Turn off the heat and stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese until the cheese has melted and the soup is rich and creamy.
Finish with Freshness: Incorporate lemon juice, parsley, and green onions for an added burst of freshness. Season to taste with cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Serve It Up: Ladle the creamy soup into bowls and prepare to enjoy a warm bowl of deliciousness!

Tips & Tricks

To elevate your Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup, consider these chef secrets and cooking hacks:

Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: Save time by using rotisserie chicken for a quick weeknight dinner.
Adjust the Spiciness: Modify the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne to fit your taste preference.
Make it Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free pasta and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free as well.
Add Vegetables: Incorporate additional veggies—like spinach or kale—toward the end of cooking for added nutrition.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Present your Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup in colorful bowls garnished with parsley and sliced green onions for a pop of color. Pair with crusty bread or a fresh green salad to complete the meal. For a more substantial treat, consider serving alongside garlic knots or cheesy breadsticks for an enjoyable dinner experience.

Nutritional Information

Indulging in Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup can be both satisfying and nourishing. On average, one serving contains around 400 calories. This includes protein from chicken, essential vitamins from vegetables, and hearty carbs from the pasta. Remember, the addition of cream and cheese adds a delightful richness, so feel free to enjoy this as an occasional treat!

Storing Tips & Variations for Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup

To extend the life of your soup, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you prefer to freeze it, allow the soup to cool, then transfer portions to freezer-safe bags or containers—even better, use a vacuum sealer if you have one! This soup holds well for about 3 months in the freezer.

For healthier variations, consider the following:

Swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a lightened richness.
Use whole wheat or legume pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
Incorporate more diced vegetables, like zucchini or carrots, for increased nutrition.

Conclusion for Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup

Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is more than just a delectable meal; it’s an experience. The fusion of flavors, the comforting texture, and the ease of preparation make it a perfect choice for any day of the week. Don’t wait any longer—gather your ingredients and dive into making this heartwarming dish that will soon become a family favorite!

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! It can be made ahead and reheated for a quick meal. Just be sure to omit noodles if you plan to store it for later, as they may become mushy.

2. What can I substitute if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can create a homemade spice mix using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper for a similar flavor profile.

3. Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. You can add more veggies and even beans for protein.

4. How thick is the soup?
The soup has a creamy but slightly broth-like consistency. Adjust the liquid based on your personal preference!

5. Can I use different types of cheese?
Definitely! While Parmesan adds great flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique twist.

Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: eliana-quinn
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free (if needed)

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting soup with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and zesty Cajun spices in a creamy broth.

Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and cook until golden-brown, about 2-4 minutes per side. Set aside.
Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, melt the butter and add the diced onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Add aromatics: Stir in the garlic, thyme, and remaining Cajun seasoning, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Craft the soup base: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the cooked chicken, diced tomatoes (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until pasta is al dente, about 7 minutes.
Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it, and return to the pot.
Add creaminess: Turn off the heat and stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese until melted.
Finish with freshness: Incorporate lemon juice, parsley, and green onions. Season to taste.
Serve it up: Ladle the creamy soup into bowls and enjoy!