I absolutely love sharing this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe with friends because it’s the perfect blend of comforting creaminess and bold, spicy Cajun flavors that warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or something that feels a little special without too much fuss, this soup has become my go-to. It hits all the right notes with tender chicken, hearty pasta, and a velvety broth that just hugs you with every spoonful.
When I first tried making this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe, I was amazed at how quickly it came together, yet still tasted like something you’d order at a fancy bistro. You’ll find that the combination of fresh ingredients with pantry staples makes it both accessible and impressive. Plus, it’s a fantastic one-pot meal that saves you from a mountain of dishes—trust me, that’s always a win!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort with a Kick: The Cajun seasoning adds just the right amount of spice without overwhelming the creamy base.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single Dutch oven, making cleanup a breeze.
- Customizable and Versatile: You can swap pasta shapes, adjust spice levels, or even add veggies to suit your taste.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this recipe and it’s perfect for meal prep or a weeknight crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe works together to create layers of flavor and a satisfying texture. I always recommend fresh garlic and quality chicken stock because they really boost the overall taste.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics perfectly.
- White onion: Provides a sweet, mellow base flavor that complements the spice.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings that essential savory depth.
- Cajun seasoning: The star spice blend that makes this soup uniquely flavorful—use your favorite store-bought or homemade mix.
- Chicken stock: Using a good quality stock here makes a huge difference—you want a rich, savory broth.
- Diced tomatoes: The undrained canned tomatoes add acidity and subtle texture.
- Heavy cream: Gives the soup its deliciously creamy, velvety finish.
- Ditalini pasta: Small pasta like ditalini holds up well in soup without getting mushy.
- Chicken breasts or tenders: Tender chicken pieces soak up the flavors and keep the soup hearty.
- Neutral oil: Perfect for searing chicken without overpowering flavors.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for an umami boost and silky texture.
- Salt and pepper: To balance and brighten all the flavors.
- Green onions: Sliced for a fresh, crisp garnish that contrasts the creamy soup.
Variations
I love to tweak this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe depending on the season or mood—feel free to get creative with your own spin! Adding extra veggies or switching up the protein makes it just right for your family.
- Spicy Boost: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños for an extra punch that my spice-loving friends adore.
- Veggie-Packed: Throw in chopped bell peppers or spinach for added color and nutrition—I find this makes it even heartier.
- Seafood Swap: When I’m in the mood for seafood, swapping chicken for shrimp works wonderfully with the creamy Cajun base.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and skip the parmesan for a dairy-free twist; it still tastes terrific.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics in Butter
Start by melting butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. As soon as it melts, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything becomes soft and fragrant. This is crucial because it builds a flavorful foundation. Then stir in half of your Cajun seasoning so those spices bloom right into the aromatics—watch out for burning your garlic by keeping a close eye!
Step 2: Add Broth, Tomatoes, and Cream
Remove the pot from the heat briefly to stir in the chicken stock, undrained diced tomatoes, and heavy cream. This trick helps prevent the cream from curdling. Give everything a good stir, then return the pot to medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing to a rapid simmer—this allows the flavors to meld beautifully while prepping the liquid for the pasta.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta Gently
Pour in your ditalini or preferred small pasta and stir well so the noodles don’t stick together or to the pot. Cook this for about 10 minutes, stirring often and scraping the bottom of the pot regularly to prevent sticking or burning. This is my favorite part because you can watch the soup thicken as the pasta absorbs the flavors.
Step 4: Sear the Cajun-Spiced Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, sprinkle the remaining Cajun seasoning all over your chicken pieces. Heat a small skillet over medium heat, then add a tablespoon of neutral oil and swirl to coat. Cook the chicken for 3 to 5 minutes on each side until nicely seared and cooked through. Let it cool slightly before chopping into bite-sized pieces—this step adds great texture and concentrated flavor to your soup.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Chicken
Turn your heat down to low under the Dutch oven, remove from the heat, then stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Return the pot to low heat and fold in the chopped chicken pieces. Let the soup simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes so everything comes together in creamy harmony. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to nail the perfect balance.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe
- Don’t Rush the Sauté: Taking the time to soften the onions and garlic gently ensures the soup base is packed with flavor.
- Avoid Overcooking Pasta: Stir often and keep the heat at a simmer so your pasta stays firm and doesn’t turn mushy.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room-temp cream and parmesan prevents clumping and helps them melt smoothly.
- Season in Layers: Adding Cajun seasoning both to the aromatics and on the chicken creates a deeper, more complex flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions are my go-to garnish—they add a crisp, fresh bite that cuts through the richness beautifully. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra parmesan on top or add a few twists of black pepper for that final flourish.
Side Dishes
I like serving this soup with warm, crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the creamy broth. A simple side salad with tangy vinaigrette balances the richness, making the meal more rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or special occasions, I’ve served this soup in rustic bread bowls—it’s fun, comforting, and adds an interactive element. You can also garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley or a drizzle of hot sauce if you want to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta might soak up some broth, so I recommend adding a splash of chicken stock or water when reheating to keep it silky and fresh.
Freezing
Freezing this soup works well if you leave out the cream and cheese before freezing. I add those fresh at reheating to keep the texture creamy and avoid separation. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently warming it on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking. Add a bit of liquid if the soup feels too thick. If you froze it without cream and cheese, stir them in once warmed through for that luscious finish.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta for this soup?
Absolutely! While ditalini is great because it holds its shape well, you can swap in other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, small shells, or even orzo. Just adjust the cooking time slightly based on the pasta’s cooking instructions.
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How spicy is the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe?
The heat level is moderate, thanks to the Cajun seasoning. If you prefer milder, start with less seasoning or choose a mild Cajun blend, and add more later if you want. For extra heat, add cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes.
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Can I make this soup vegetarian?
This recipe is designed with chicken, but you can easily swap chicken stock for vegetable broth and replace the chicken with mushrooms, tofu, or extra veggies to create a vegetarian-friendly version that’s still hearty and delicious.
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What’s the best way to adjust the soup’s thickness?
If you find the soup too thick, simply add more chicken stock or water as it simmers until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, cook it a bit longer uncovered to reduce the liquid before adding cream and cheese.
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Can I prep this soup in advance?
Yes! You can prep the onions, garlic, and season the chicken ahead of time. I often cook the soup base earlier in the day, then add the pasta, chicken, and finishing touches just before serving to keep everything fresh and perfectly textured.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines simplicity with bold flavors in one cozy bowl. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and that it becomes your trusted recipe the next time you want comfort food with personality. Go ahead, give it a try, and don’t forget to share it with your favorite people; I promise, they’ll thank you!
PrintCreamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Louisiana Cajun
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, small pasta, and a rich, spicy broth made with Cajun seasoning, garlic, onions, and parmesan cheese. Perfect for cozy dinners, the soup combines smooth creaminess with a kick of Cajun spices, creating a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small white onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups chicken stock (or 4 cups chicken stock + 1 cup water)
- 1 14.5–ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream, at or close to room temperature
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan, at room temperature
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Pasta
- 1 cup ditalini or other small pasta, dry
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breasts or tenders
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once melted, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions become tender and the mixture is fragrant. Stir in 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to infuse the aromatics with spice.
- Add liquids and bring to simmer: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chicken stock, canned diced tomatoes (with juices), and the heavy cream. Return the pot to the stove over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat to medium and allow it to come to a rapid simmer.
- Cook pasta: Add the dry ditalini pasta into the Dutch oven and stir well to combine. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring regularly and scraping the bottom to prevent sticking or burning. The pasta should become tender but still hold its shape.
- Season and cook chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts or tenders with the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, ensuring all sides are evenly coated. Heat a small skillet over medium heat, add the neutral oil, and swirl to coat the surface. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 3 to 5 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it cool enough to handle, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine cheese and chicken: Reduce the heat under the Dutch oven to low and remove it from the heat. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the soup. Return the pot to low heat, add the chopped chicken pieces, and let the soup simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Season and serve: Taste the soup and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken breasts with tenders or thighs depending on preference.
- Allowing the heavy cream and parmesan cheese to be at room temperature helps them incorporate smoothly.
- If preferred, some crushed red pepper flakes can be added for extra heat.
- Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil to prevent flavors from overpowering the Cajun seasoning when cooking the chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg