Imagine a bowl of rich, velvety soup with tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a bold Cajun kick. This Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is everything you love about Cajun pasta, but in comforting soup form. It’s got just the right balance of spice, creaminess, and cheesy goodness—trust me, this one’s a game-changer!
Why You’ll Love Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup
Versatile: Perfect for a cozy night in, meal prepping for the week, or serving at a gathering.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight meal.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level, swap out the protein, or add your favorite veggies.
Crowd-Pleasing: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—this soup is a hit with both kids and adults!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup
This soup is a flavor-packed powerhouse with simple, wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly.
Chicken Breast: Juicy, tender chicken that soaks up all those bold Cajun flavors. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience!
Pasta: Short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells work best, holding onto all that creamy, spicy broth.
Onion & Garlic: Essential aromatics that build the foundation of flavor.
Bell Peppers: A mix of red, green, or yellow peppers adds sweetness and crunch.
Chicken Broth: The base of the soup, adding richness and depth to every bite.
Heavy Cream: The secret to a luxuriously creamy texture.
Parmesan Cheese: A salty, nutty kick that ties everything together.
Cajun Seasoning: The star of the show—bold, spicy, and full of flavor!
Butter & Flour: Helps thicken the broth, giving it that creamy, hearty consistency.
Diced Tomatoes: Adds a slight tang and a pop of color.
Green Onions & Fresh Parsley: For a fresh, herby finish.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Cook the Chicken: Melt butter in the pot, then add diced chicken seasoned with Cajun seasoning. Sear until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook until softened and fragrant.
Make the Base: Sprinkle flour over the veggies and stir for a minute to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth to prevent lumps.
Simmer with Pasta: Add the diced tomatoes and pasta, stirring well. Let it simmer until the pasta is tender.
Stir in the Cream & Cheese: Lower the heat, then add heavy cream and Parmesan. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Return the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken back to the pot, letting all the flavors meld together.
Finishing Touches: Garnish with green onions and parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls while warm and get ready to be amazed!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 700
(Note: These are approximate values.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup
This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but here are some ways to elevate it even more:
- With crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up that creamy Cajun broth.
- Topped with crispy bacon bits: Adds crunch and smoky flavor.
- With a side salad: A fresh green salad balances the richness.
- Extra Parmesan & red pepper flakes: Because more cheese and spice are always welcome!
Additional Tips
- If the soup gets too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Want it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra Cajun seasoning.
- Leftovers? Store in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a bit of extra broth.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Any short pasta works, like elbow macaroni, farfalle, or rigatoni.
2. How do I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut milk instead of cream and skip the Parmesan, or use a dairy-free alternative.
3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just add it toward the end.
4. What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
Make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
6. Can I freeze this soup?
Cream-based soups don’t freeze well, but you can freeze the broth and add cream when reheating.
7. What’s the best way to reheat it?
Warm it on the stove over low heat, adding extra broth if needed.
8. Can I add more vegetables?
Of course! Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini would be great additions.
9. How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and a cornstarch slurry instead of flour for thickening.
10. Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?
Yes! Shrimp cooks quickly, so add it in the last few minutes of cooking.
Conclusion
This Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is the perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and cheesy deliciousness. It’s an easy one-pot meal that’s ready in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Whether you’re a spice lover or just looking for a comforting new soup recipe, this one is sure to impress. Give it a try, and let the flavors do the talking!
Print
Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American/Cajun Fusion
Description
A comforting and flavorful soup that marries the creaminess of Parmesan with a zesty Cajun kick. Tender chicken, hearty pasta, and vibrant vegetables create a delicious bowl perfect for warming up on a chilly day.
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus extra to taste)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
– 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning, then sauté until lightly browned and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, celery, carrots, and red bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in an additional 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning, then pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and diced tomatoes if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Cajun spice if desired.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
– For an extra kick, add a dash of hot sauce or more Cajun seasoning.
– Adjust the soup’s thickness with additional broth or cream based on your preference.
– This soup reheats well, making it a great make-ahead meal for busy days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg