I don’t know about you, but there’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients. One of my all-time favorites is Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl! I first stumbled upon this recipe during a chilly winter evening when I was craving something hearty yet comforting. I whipped it up, and I couldn’t believe how delicious it turned out! Ever since then, it’s become a go-to recipe, and I love serving it to friends and family. Plus, it’s so easy to make that I feel like a culinary superstar every time I pull it off!
The blend of Cajun spices with creamy pasta is a match made in heaven. It’s a fantastic way to jazz up a regular chicken soup and make it something extraordinary. Plus, it’s super customizable! Whether you want to throw in some extra veggies or swap out the chicken for sausage, this soup can easily adapt to your pantry. So, get ready to dig into a bowl of pure deliciousness as we dive into the recipe.
What’s in Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish! I love using chicken breasts because they’re lean and soak up flavors beautifully. Feel free to use thighs for a richer taste.
Olive oil: This is what we’ll use to sauté our veggies. I always keep a good quality extra virgin olive oil on hand; it really boosts the flavor!
Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base to the soup. I chop a medium onion, but if you’re an onion lover, go ahead and add more!
Bell pepper: I love using red for its sweetness, but green works just as well. It adds a nice crunch and vibrant color to the soup.
Garlic: Because garlic makes everything better! Minced garlic adds a delightful aroma and sharp flavor.
Cajun seasoning: This is where the magic happens! The seasoning brings that signature warmth and just the right amount of kick. Feel free to adjust it to your spice level!
Chicken broth: This forms the soup’s base and gives it amazing depth. I recommend low-sodium broth to keep things in control.
Heavy cream: To make the soup rich and creamy. If you’re looking to lighten it up, you can substitute some or all of the heavy cream with half-and-half.
Diced tomatoes: They add a lovely acidity that balances the creaminess perfectly. I often grab canned tomatoes for convenience, but fresh ones work wonderfully too!
Small pasta: I use ditalini or elbow macaroni, but any small pasta will do! It adds a pleasant bite to the soup.
Fresh spinach or kale: An optional ingredient if you want to sneak in some greens! I tend to throw in spinach when it’s around.
Parmesan cheese: This adds a rich, nutty flavor. I can’t stress enough how much freshly grated cheese elevates this soup!
Salt and pepper: Essentials for seasoning to taste!
Fresh parsley or cilantro and green onions: These serve as lovely garnishes that add freshness to each serving.
Is Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup Good for You?
You bet it is! This soup is not only delicious but also nourishing.
Chicken: The protein-packed star, keeps you full, and helps with muscle maintenance. It’s lean and makes for a healthy meal option.
Vegetables: With onion, bell pepper, and spinach or kale, this soup provides a good dose of vitamins and minerals. They add fiber, which is great for digestion!
Heavy cream: While it adds richness, use it in moderation if you’re watching calories. There are lighter options available that can make this soup a bit less rich if needed.
Parmesan cheese: Beyond flavor, it contains calcium and protein, although it can be high in sodium, so keep that in mind!
Overall, it’s a comforting meal that can fit into a balanced diet if you enjoy it in moderation.
Ingredients
– 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
– 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
– 1 cup fresh spinach or kale (optional)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish
– Green onions, sliced for garnish
*Serves: 6-8 people*
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup?
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning to the pot; sauté for another minute until fragrant.
3. Place the chicken breasts into the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Set aside.
5. Stir in the diced tomatoes and small pasta into the pot. Continue to simmer until the pasta is cooked according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes.
6. Once the pasta is tender, return the shredded chicken to the pot. Add heavy cream, spinach or kale (if using), and Parmesan cheese. Mix well and let everything heat through for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro and sliced green onions.
Serve It Up, Hot and Delicious!
– For a spicier kick, don’t hesitate to add more Cajun seasoning or throw in a dash of hot sauce.
– Don’t have chicken? Substitute with cooked sausage for a spicier, smokier flavor.
– This soup is a champ for meal prep! You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days and it reheats wonderfully.
I can’t wait for you to try this gorgeous Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup! Trust me, once you take that first spoonful, you’ll want to make it again and again. It’s perfect for cozy evenings, family dinners, or even when you want to impress your friends. So gather your ingredients, put on some music, and enjoy making your next favorite soup! I would love to hear how yours turns out!
