Description
Spicy Cajun chicken pasta soup combines hearty flavors from Louisiana’s rich culinary tradition. Robust spices and creamy texture invite diners to savor each comforting spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breasts or tenders
- 5 cups (1.2 liters) chicken stock (or 4 cups chicken stock + 1 cup water)
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream, at or close to room temperature
- 1 14.5 oz (411 grams) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup (200 grams) ditalini or other small pasta, dry
- 1 cup (100 grams) freshly grated parmesan
- 2 tbsps (30 grams) butter
- 2 tbsps Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
- 1 small white onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Green onions, sliced, to garnish
Instructions
- Foundation Preparation: Heat a large Dutch oven and melt butter over medium-high temperature, creating a golden base for the soup’s flavor profile.
- Aromatic Layer: Sauté onions and garlic until translucent, incorporating the first portion of Cajun seasoning to develop a robust, spicy foundation.
- Liquid Symphony: Combine broth, diced tomatoes, and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil before reducing to a gentle simmer.
- Pasta Integration: Introduce dry pasta into the simmering liquid, stirring consistently to ensure even cooking and thorough flavor absorption.
- Chicken Preparation: Coat chicken with remaining Cajun seasoning, then sear in a separate skillet until golden brown and completely cooked through.
- Protein Incorporation: Rest and slice the chicken, then gently fold into the simmering soup, allowing flavors to harmonize.
- Final Refinement: Stir in parmesan cheese, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to create a perfectly balanced creamy soup.
- Serving Flourish: Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, optionally garnishing with green onion slices for a fresh, vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Spice Management: Control Cajun seasoning quantity to balance heat and flavor; taste and adjust gradually to prevent overwhelming spiciness.
- Pasta Cooking Tip: Stir frequently during pasta incorporation to prevent sticking and ensure uniform cooking; choose shorter pasta shapes for easier eating.
- Chicken Preparation: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve optimal golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing.
- Cream Stability: Lower heat when adding heavy cream to prevent separation and maintain smooth, silky soup consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg