This Cajun Chicken Soup Pasta is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender chicken, flavorful spices, and pasta, it’s perfect for cozy nights or when you need a little comfort.
There’s something special about the blend of spices that makes your taste buds dance! I love to top mine with cheese and fresh herbs. It’s like a party in my mouth! 🎉
Making this soup is easy too! Just cook everything in one pot, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. It’s my go-to for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. You can also use thighs if you prefer dark meat. For a quicker option, rotisserie chicken works just as well!
Cajun seasoning: This blend gives the soup its signature kick. You can make your own by mixing paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and thyme if you need a homemade version.
Pasta: While rotini is great for capturing the creamy soup, feel free to swap with fusilli, penne, or even gluten-free pasta if needed.
Heavy cream: For richness, heavy cream adds a lovely texture, but you can substitute it with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream like coconut milk for a lighter option.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Pasta in Soup?
Cooking pasta in soup is straightforward but requires attention to timing. You want it to be al dente, so it doesn’t get mushy. Here’s how:
- Follow the package instructions for the specific pasta used, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- To avoid overcooking, add the pasta once the broth is boiling, and keep an eye on it!
- If you prefer, you can cook the pasta separately and add it right before serving to keep it from absorbing too much broth.
This way, you’ll keep your soup perfectly balanced with pasta that has just the right bite!
Delicious Cajun Chicken Soup Pasta
Ingredients List:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Other Ingredients:
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz (225g) rotini pasta or any short pasta
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This Cajun Chicken Soup Pasta recipe takes approximately 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook. You’ll have a hearty, creamy dish ready in about 40 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts evenly with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. This adds a nice kick to the chicken!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until they are browned and cooked through, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on their thickness. Once cooked, remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes. After, slice or dice it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced onion, celery, carrot, and green bell pepper. Cook everything for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
4. Add Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, until fragrant. This will make your kitchen smell amazing!
5. Prepare the Soup Base:
Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring occasionally.
6. Cook the Pasta:
Once boiling, add the pasta to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
7. Add Cream:
After the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the soup simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes to combine all the flavors and thicken slightly.
8. Return the Chicken:
Add the cooked chicken pieces back into the pot and heat through. This will make sure everything is warm and delicious!
9. Taste and Adjust:
Take a moment to taste your soup and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning if needed. It’s all about your personal preference!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy your creamy, spicy Cajun Chicken Soup Pasta—it’s sure to be a hit!
This recipe creates a comforting bowl of soup with rich flavors, perfect for those chilly evenings or whenever you’re craving something hearty. Enjoy!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and tenderness to your soup. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as they may take a little longer to cook through compared to breasts.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2 months. Just be mindful that the pasta may absorb some of the broth when reheating, so you might want to add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up again!
Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
Definitely! You can increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to amp up the heat. Adjust according to your spice tolerance for a kick that’s just right for you!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more veggies and a protein source like beans or lentils for added heartiness!
