Ever had one of those days where you just need something warm, creamy, and packed with flavor? That’s exactly why I fell in love with Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup. It’s like a hug in a bowl—but with a spicy little kick!
This soup has everything. Tender chicken, bold Cajun spices, and a rich, creamy broth. Oh, and don’t forget the pasta—it makes every bite extra comforting.
The best part? It’s super easy to make. One pot, simple ingredients, and in no time, you’ve got a meal that tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant. Plus, the leftovers? Even better the next day!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab a pot, spice it up, and let’s make some magic. Trust me—your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Bursting with Cajun Flavor: A well-balanced mix of spices creates an authentic, mouthwatering taste.
✔ One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal.
✔ Creamy & Comforting: The combination of parmesan and heavy cream adds a velvety smoothness.
✔ Protein-Packed: Juicy chicken breast ensures a hearty, satisfying meal.
✔ Make It Your Own: Easily customize spice levels, pasta types, or add veggies!
Required Kitchen Tools
Before we dive into cooking, make sure you have these essential tools:
- Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven – For even heat distribution.
- Cutting Board & Sharp Knife – To prep the chicken and vegetables.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate seasoning.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula – To stir and prevent sticking.
- Grater – For freshly grated parmesan (highly recommended!).
- Ladle – To serve up that creamy goodness!
Key Ingredients for Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup
Each ingredient in this soup plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and depth of flavor.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the onions and garlic.
- White Onion (chopped): Brings a subtle sweetness to balance the spice.
- Garlic (minced): Enhances the flavor with a bold, aromatic touch.
- Cajun Seasoning (divided): The star of the show! This blend adds smokiness, spice, and warmth.
- Chicken Stock + Water: Creates a flavorful broth that carries the soup’s essence.
- Diced Tomatoes (undrained): Provides a slightly tangy base that complements the spice.
- Heavy Cream (room temperature): Adds the perfect creamy texture.
- Ditalini Pasta (or other small pasta): Makes the soup heartier and more satisfying.
- Chicken Breasts or Tenders: Lean protein that absorbs the Cajun flavors beautifully.
- Neutral Oil: Helps achieve a golden, slightly crispy exterior on the chicken.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan (room temperature): Melts into the soup, creating an irresistible richness.
- Salt & Pepper (to taste): Enhances the overall flavors.
- Green Onions (sliced, for garnish): Adds a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor.
Variations and Customization Options
Adjusting the Spice Level
- Love heat? Add cayenne pepper or use extra Cajun seasoning.
- Prefer it mild? Reduce the Cajun seasoning slightly and add a touch of honey or sugar.
Swap the Protein
- Shrimp: A great seafood twist! Add shrimp in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Sausage: Andouille sausage adds a smoky, spicy kick.
- Rotisserie Chicken: A shortcut for easy prep—just shred and add it in!
Make it Gluten-Free
- Swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta or leave it out entirely.
Add More Veggies
- Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach are great additions for extra nutrition.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped white onion and sauté until soft and translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
2. Season and Sear the Chicken
- While the onions cook, season the chicken breasts or tenders generously with half of the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat neutral oil in a separate skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Remove from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Build the Broth
- To the same pot with onions and garlic, pour in the chicken stock and water. Stir well to deglaze any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
- Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the rest of the Cajun seasoning.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to deepen the flavors.
4. Cook the Pasta
- Stir in the ditalini (or other small pasta) and cook uncovered until al dente, following the package instructions (typically 7-9 minutes).
- Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
5. Make It Creamy
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the room-temperature heavy cream while stirring continuously.
- Allow it to heat through but do not let it boil, as boiling can cause the cream to separate.
6. Add Chicken and Parmesan
- Stir in the sliced chicken, making sure it’s well coated in the creamy broth.
- Add the freshly grated parmesan and stir until melted and fully incorporated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (more Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper).
7. Garnish and Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh finish.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or a side of garlic toast for dipping!
Pro Tips for the Best Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup
✅ Sear the Chicken for Maximum Flavor – A golden crust adds a delicious depth to the soup.
✅ Use Fresh Parmesan – Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as well; fresh gives the best creamy texture.
✅ Keep the Cream at Room Temperature – This prevents curdling when added to the soup.
✅ Don’t Overcook the Pasta – It continues softening in the hot broth, so cook it just to al dente.
✅ Taste and Adjust – If the spice is too intense, add a little more cream or parmesan to mellow it out.
How to Serve Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup
This creamy, spicy soup is a meal on its own, but you can elevate the experience with these serving ideas:
With Bread: Serve with crusty French bread, garlic bread, or cornbread to soak up the flavorful broth.
With a Fresh Salad: Balance the richness with a light Caesar salad, arugula salad, or a simple garden salad.
Extra Toppings: Sprinkle with more parmesan, chopped fresh parsley, or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.
Soup Bar Idea: Serve in small bowls with different toppings like crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, or croutons so everyone can customize their bowl.
Storing & Reheating Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the original consistency.
Freezing
- Because of the cream and pasta, freezing is tricky. The soup can separate when thawed.
- If planning to freeze, leave out the pasta and cream when making the soup.
- Freeze the broth with chicken for up to 3 months.
- When reheating, add cooked pasta and cream at the end.
Reheating
- Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent curdling.
- Microwave method: Heat in short 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals.
Ingredient Swaps and Variations
Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lower-calorie version.
Add Greens: Stir in fresh spinach or kale at the end for extra nutrients.
Make It Spicier: Add red pepper flakes, extra Cajun seasoning, or hot sauce.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: A time-saver! Just shred and add it in the last step.
Swap the Pasta: Use orzo, elbow macaroni, or gluten-free pasta.
Recipe Card: Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup
Yield: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup – A Comforting, Spicy Twist!
Course: Uncategorized4-6
servings15
minutes25
minutes~480
kcalIngredients
- For the Soup Base:
2 tbsp butter
1 small white onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp Cajun seasoning, divided
4 cups chicken stock
1 cup water
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup heavy cream, room temperature
1 ½ cups ditalini pasta (or other small pasta), dry
- For the Chicken:
1 lb chicken breasts or tenders
1 tbsp neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or avocado oil)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- For Serving:
½ cup freshly grated parmesan, room temperature
Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Extra Cajun seasoning, to taste
Directions
- Sauté the Aromatics
- Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Season & Sear the Chicken
- While the onions cook, season the chicken breasts with ½ tsp Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil in a separate skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F).
- Remove from heat, let rest, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Build the Broth
- Add chicken stock, water, and diced tomatoes (with juice) to the soup pot.
- Stir in the remaining 1 ½ tsp Cajun seasoning.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta
- Stir in the dry ditalini pasta and cook uncovered until al dente (about 7-9 minutes).
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Make It Creamy
- Reduce heat to low and slowly pour in the room-temperature heavy cream, stirring constantly.
- Do not let the soup boil to prevent curdling.
- Add Chicken & Cheese
- Stir in the sliced chicken and grated parmesan until melted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning (more Cajun spice, salt, or pepper as needed).
- Garnish & Serve
- Ladle into bowls and top with sliced green onions.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic toast.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~480 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbs | 42g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Sodium | 970mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 5g |
Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.
Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! For best results, cook the soup without the pasta, then add fresh-cooked pasta when reheating.
How do I make it spicier?
Add cayenne pepper, extra Cajun seasoning, or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Can I freeze this soup?
It’s best without the pasta and cream. Freeze the broth and chicken, then add fresh pasta and cream when reheating.
What other proteins can I use?
Try shrimp, andouille sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken.
What if my soup is too thick?
Stir in extra chicken stock or a splash of cream to thin it out.
Conclusion: Cozy, Creamy, and Packed with Flavor!
This Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is the ultimate comfort food with a spicy kick. It brings together the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning, tender chicken, creamy broth, and hearty pasta for a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal-prep-friendly option, or something to warm you up on a chilly day, this recipe has you covered.
With simple ingredients and one-pot convenience, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself making again and again. Plus, with easy swaps and variations, you can tailor it to your taste—make it spicier, add veggies, or swap proteins to mix things up!