There’s something so comforting about a big, warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s rich, creamy, and packed with bold flavors. This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup takes everything you love about a classic Cajun chicken pasta dish and transforms it into a hearty, one-pot meal. Imagine juicy, spice-rubbed chicken swimming in a creamy, slightly spicy broth, with tender ditalini pasta and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet cozy, perfect for a chilly evening or a casual family dinner.
One of the best things about this recipe is how simple and quick it is to make. With only 30 minutes of cooking time, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. And since everything cooks in one pot, cleanup is a breeze.
This soup is also incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste, swap out the chicken for shrimp or turkey, or even make it a low-carb/keto-friendly version by using zucchini noodles instead of pasta. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s just as good for meal prep as it is for a last-minute weeknight dinner.
If you’re a fan of Cajun flavors, creamy soups, or just quick and satisfying meals, this recipe is a must-try. So grab your pot, get ready to fill your kitchen with amazing aromas, and let’s make some Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup, but here are a few highlights:
- Quick and easy – Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-pot meal – Minimal cleanup means less time washing dishes.
- Rich and creamy – The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a luscious, velvety texture.
- Bold Cajun flavors – A perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory notes.
- Family-friendly – You can easily adjust the spice level to make it milder for kids.
- Great for meal prep – Stores well in the fridge and freezes beautifully for future meals.
- Customizable – Swap proteins, adjust spices, or even make it gluten-free.
The magic of this soup lies in its layers of flavor. The Cajun seasoning brings a deep, slightly smoky spice, while the garlic and onions add sweetness and depth. The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese tie everything together into a luxuriously creamy broth, while the ditalini pasta soaks up all that goodness, making every bite hearty and satisfying.
If you’re looking for a meal that’s easy, comforting, and packed with flavor, this soup checks all the boxes!
Health Benefits
Even though this soup feels indulgent, it actually has a few nutritional benefits:
- High in Protein – Thanks to the chicken and Parmesan cheese, this soup provides a good amount of lean protein, which helps with muscle maintenance and keeps you full longer.
- Rich in Healthy Fats – The heavy cream and olive oil contribute to a creamy texture while providing healthy fats that support brain function and energy levels.
- Contains Essential Vitamins – The onions, garlic, and tomatoes are packed with vitamins C and A, along with antioxidants that help boost immunity.
- Great for Digestion – If you use whole wheat pasta or swap it for fiber-rich zucchini noodles, this soup can aid digestion and promote gut health.
- Customizable for Special Diets – It can easily be made gluten-free, low-carb, or dairy-free with simple substitutions.
So while it’s definitely a creamy and satisfying dish, it also provides nutrients and energy to fuel your day!
Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
Ingredients List
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small white onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 5 cups chicken stock (or 4 cups stock + 1 cup water)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
- 1 cup ditalini pasta (or another small pasta)
Protein & Flavor Enhancers
- 1 lb chicken breasts or tenders
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (room temperature)
Seasonings & Toppings
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Crisp turkey bacon crumbles (optional)
Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add onions and garlic, sauté for 5 minutes until tender and fragrant.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, letting the spices bloom for extra flavor.
Build the Broth
- Remove from heat briefly, then add chicken stock, diced tomatoes, and heavy cream.
- Return to heat, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a rapid simmer.
Cook the Pasta
- Add ditalini pasta, stirring well to prevent clumping.
- Let cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Prepare the Chicken
- Season chicken breasts with the remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning.
- Heat oil in a separate skillet over medium heat.
- Cook chicken for 3-5 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Transfer to a cutting board, let rest, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
Combine & Serve
- Reduce heat to low, stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Add chopped chicken back to the soup, let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve warm, garnished with green onions and turkey bacon crumbles if desired.
How to Serve
- As a Main Dish – Serve in deep bowls with a side of crusty bread.
- With a Salad – A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully.
- For Kids – Reduce spice and serve with buttered dinner rolls.
Pairing Suggestions
- Drinks – A cold iced tea or sparkling lemonade works well.
- Side Dishes – Pair with roasted veggies, garlic bread, or mashed potatoes.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze – Let cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat – Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
How to Adjust the Spice Level
One of the best things about this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is how customizable it is when it comes to spice. If you love bold, fiery flavors, you can increase the heat by adding extra Cajun seasoning, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce. For those who prefer a milder version, reducing the Cajun seasoning slightly or using a mild Cajun blend can tone down the heat without compromising flavor.
Another great way to control the spice level is by adjusting when and how you incorporate the seasoning. If you’re cooking for a group with varying spice preferences, you can season the chicken more heavily while keeping the soup base milder. Then, individuals can add extra spice to their own bowls with hot sauce or red pepper flakes. Using smoked paprika instead of cayenne also provides a warm, smoky depth without as much heat.
For a kid-friendly version, you can cut the Cajun seasoning in half and substitute part of it with garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of paprika. This keeps the soup flavorful without overwhelming little taste buds. However, since Cajun seasoning often contains salt, be sure to taste before adding extra salt at the end. Adjusting the spice level to your liking makes this dish enjoyable for everyone at the table!
How to Make This Soup Dairy-Free
If you need a dairy-free version of this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup, you can easily swap out a few ingredients while still keeping it creamy and full of flavor. Instead of heavy cream, try using full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened cashew cream for a similar texture. Both options provide richness without overpowering the bold Cajun spices.
For the Parmesan cheese, you can either omit it or replace it with nutritional yeast, which adds a slightly cheesy, umami flavor. Some dairy-free Parmesan substitutes, like cashew-based cheese, also work well in this soup. If you’re looking for extra creaminess, blending a small amount of softened cashews with water creates a smooth, dairy-free alternative to heavy cream.
Another trick is to use a plant-based butter substitute instead of regular butter for sautéing the onions and garlic. You can also swap the turkey bacon for crispy smoked mushrooms or coconut bacon to maintain that savory, smoky topping. With these simple swaps, you can create a completely dairy-free version of this comforting soup while keeping it just as delicious and satisfying!
How to Make This Soup in the Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
If you love set-it-and-forget-it meals, you’ll be happy to know that this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup can be made in both the slow cooker and Instant Pot with just a few adjustments.
For the slow cooker method, add all ingredients except the pasta, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender. Remove the chicken, shred or chop it, then return it to the pot. Stir in the pasta, heavy cream, and Parmesan, and cook for another 20-30 minutes on high until the pasta is tender.
For the Instant Pot version, set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and cook the onions, garlic, and Cajun seasoning in butter for a few minutes. Add the broth, diced tomatoes, and seasoned chicken. Seal the lid and cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes, then do a quick release. Remove the chicken, chop or shred it, then return it to the pot. Stir in the pasta and cook on Sauté mode for another 5-8 minutes until tender. Add the heavy cream and Parmesan at the end, stirring until smooth and creamy.
Both of these methods allow you to make this delicious soup with minimal effort, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights!
How to Make This Soup Gluten-Free or Low-Carb
If you’re looking for a gluten-free or low-carb alternative to this Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup, there are a few easy swaps you can make.
For a gluten-free version, simply replace the regular ditalini pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas. Be sure to check the pasta’s cooking time, as some gluten-free varieties cook faster and may need to be added later in the process.
To make this soup low-carb or keto-friendly, swap out the pasta for zucchini noodles (zoodles), Palmini noodles (hearts of palm), or spaghetti squash. Instead of cooking them directly in the soup, prepare them separately and stir them in just before serving to prevent them from becoming too soft.
Another great low-carb alternative is using cauliflower rice. It absorbs the flavors of the soup beautifully while keeping the dish light and filling. You can also thicken the broth slightly with a small amount of cream cheese or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, making it just as creamy without the need for pasta.
With these modifications, you can enjoy all the bold Cajun flavors in a way that fits your dietary needs while keeping the soup satisfying and delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?
Yes! Just make sure to taste and adjust the salt, as some brands can be saltier than others.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and works perfectly in this recipe.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute with full-fat coconut milk, cashew cream, or a mix of milk and butter for a lighter option.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats beautifully.
How do I keep the pasta from getting too soft?
If making ahead, cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup just before serving to maintain the best texture.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. You can add mushrooms or tofu for extra protein.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but freeze without the pasta. Cook fresh pasta separately when reheating to prevent it from becoming mushy.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the texture.
Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?
Definitely! Shrimp cooks quickly, so add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking.
Is this soup kid-friendly?
Yes! Reduce the Cajun seasoning for a milder flavor, and serve with a side of bread to balance the spice.
Conclusion & Call to Action
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s quick, easy, and full of bold flavors. If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments! Enjoy!
Print
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
A rich, creamy, and slightly spicy Cajun chicken pasta soup made with tender chicken, ditalini pasta, Parmesan cheese, and bold Cajun seasoning. A one-pot meal that’s quick, comforting, and packed with flavor!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small white onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 5 cups chicken stock
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream (room temp)
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Turkey bacon crumbles (optional)
Instructions
- Heat butter in a large pot and sauté onions, garlic, and 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning for 5 minutes.
- Add chicken stock, diced tomatoes, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in ditalini pasta and cook for 10 minutes.
- Season chicken with remaining Cajun seasoning and cook in a skillet for 3-5 minutes per side.
- Chop cooked chicken and add to the soup. Stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm, garnished with green onions and optional turkey bacon.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Cajun seasoning.
- Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
