Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup
A delightful blend of creamy richness and zesty Cajun spices, this soup elevates ordinary pasta to a new level and is perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Main 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 (gluten-free for gluten-free)
- 8 ounces pasta (gluten-free for gluten-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
Cooking
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning. Cook until golden brown, about 2-4 minutes per side. Set aside.
- In the same pan, melt the butter, then add the diced onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped garlic and thyme, along with the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and return the cooked chicken to the pan. If you’re using diced tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce, add them now.
- Stir in the pasta, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer until the pasta is al dente, about 7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the soup, slice or shred it, and return it to the pot.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- If desired, add lemon juice, parsley, and green onions. Finally, season with cayenne, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve the soup hot, savoring every comforting spoonful.
Notes
For an extra kick, add more Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk. Experiment with adding other vegetables like spinach or kale for a nutritional boost. Serve with fresh crusty bread for a complete meal.