This creamy Parmesan Cajun chicken pasta soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s packed with tender chicken, zesty Cajun spices, and yummy pasta, all mixed in a rich, cheesy broth.
Whenever I eat this, I can’t help but smile—it’s that comforting! I love making a big pot to share. Perfect for chilly days and cozy nights! 🥣✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, chicken breasts work too. You can even use rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep!
Cajun Seasoning: This adds a great kick! If you don’t have it on hand, you can make a quick substitute using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Adjust the spices to get your desired heat level.
Pasta: I usually opt for farfalle or rotini as they hold onto the soup nicely. You can substitute with any small pasta shape, or even whole grain or gluten-free options depending on your dietary needs.
Heavy Cream and Whole Milk: For a lighter version, try half-and-half or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Just be aware that the texture might be slightly different.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Creaminess in This Soup?
The secret to that dreamy creaminess lies in how you blend the cream and cheese into the soup. Here are some tips to ensure your soup is rich and velvety:
- After lowering the heat, add the heavy cream and the milk to avoid curdling.
- Stir the soup gently as you incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese so it melts smoothly without clumping.
- If the soup gets too thick, you can always thin it out with a bit of extra chicken broth or water until it’s your desired consistency.
Following these tips will keep your soup perfectly creamy and delicious!
Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips or bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup uncooked pasta (small shapes like farfalle, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy parmesan Cajun chicken pasta soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook, giving you a total of about 45 minutes from start to finish. Quick, easy, and perfect for a cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning so they are evenly coated. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the pot and cook it until browned and cooked through, which takes about 5-7 minutes. After cooking, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes, or until they are tender. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant!
3. Create the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once it starts boiling, add the uncooked pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
4. Make it Creamy:
Now, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and the whole milk. Then, add the cooked chicken back into the soup. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until everything is melted and creamy!
5. Season and Serve:
Give your soup a taste and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Finally, ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and enjoy it hot!
This creamy and flavorful soup is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy your night in with this delicious meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken thighs add great flavor, you can also use chicken breasts for a leaner option. For a quicker prep, feel free to substitute with rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken. Just add it in towards the end to warm through!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly, but the soup will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may want to add a splash of milk or broth to maintain the creamy consistency.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes! This soup freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it gently on the stove, adding a bit of liquid if necessary to regain creaminess.
