Ready in 30 minutes, this rich and spicy Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is the ultimate comfort food! Packed with tender Cajun chicken, pasta, and Parmesan cheese, it’s cozy, creamy, and full of bold Southern flavor.
🛒 Ingredients (4 servings)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced bell pepper
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp chopped thyme
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 8 oz pasta (shells, ditalini, penne)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional but recommended)
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
- Cayenne, salt & pepper — to taste
🔥 Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning and sear 2–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Veggies
Melt butter in the same pot. Add onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook until soft (5–7 minutes).
3. Add Garlic + Spices
Stir in garlic, thyme, and another teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Build the Base
Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes (if using), and Worcestershire sauce. Add dry pasta and bring everything to a boil.
5. Simmer + Shred
Reduce heat and simmer until pasta is al dente (~7 minutes). Shred the chicken and stir it back into the pot.
6. Make It Creamy
Turn off the heat. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until melted. Add lemon juice and fresh herbs if using.
7. Taste + Serve
Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne to your heat preference. Serve hot with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan!
🧡 Why You’ll Love This Soup
- Quick & Easy – Done in 30 minutes
- One-Pot Wonder – Less cleanup, more comfort
- Bold Flavor – Cajun spices + creamy Parmesan = perfection
- Family-Friendly – A hit with adults and kids alike
- Customizable – Make it spicier, swap proteins, or add veggies
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Pair with crusty garlic bread
- Serve alongside a fresh green salad
- Add a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for extra heat
💡 Tips & Variations
- Use gluten-free pasta for a GF version
- Substitute shrimp, turkey, or sausage
- Omit cream for a lighter broth-based version
- Add spinach or mushrooms for a veggie boost
- Leftovers? It tastes even better the next day!
❄️ Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months
- Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or cream
🧑🍳 FAQ
Q: Can I make this soup dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use plant-based cream and dairy-free Parmesan alternatives.
Q: What kind of pasta works best?
A: Short shapes like ditalini, shells, or rotini are ideal.
Q: Is this spicy?
A: It has a mild kick. Add cayenne or hot sauce if you like it hotter.
📌 Pin This Recipe!
Save this creamy Cajun soup for your next cozy dinner night!
📌
📋 Recipe Card
✅ Spicy | Creamy | One-Pot Comfort Food
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 420 (approx. per serving)
🌶️ Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
- ½ onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1½ cups dry pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
🔥 Instructions:
- Season chicken with Cajun seasoning.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high. Sauté chicken until browned (about 5–7 mins). Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until soft (3–4 mins).
- Add broth, heavy cream, pasta, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Cook uncovered until pasta is tender (10–12 mins), stirring occasionally.
- Stir in Parmesan and cooked chicken. Simmer 3–5 mins until soup thickens slightly.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot!
💡 Pro Tips:
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- Add spinach or corn for extra texture.
- Prefer it thicker? Simmer longer or reduce broth by ½ cup.
- Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne or extra Cajun seasoning.
- Pairs perfectly with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
💬 Pin this cozy, creamy Cajun pasta soup—it’s spicy, cheesy, and perfect for chilly nights!
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