If youโre craving something creamy, cozy, and packed with bold Cajun flavors, then this Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is about to become your new favorite comfort dish. Imagine tender chunks of chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a velvety Cajun-spiced broth infused with Parmesanโall coming together in one irresistible bowl.
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Itโs the perfect balance of spicy, cheesy, and creamy goodness, making it ideal for chilly nights or whenever you need a hearty, soul-warming meal. Trust me, once you take a spoonful, youโll be hooked!
Why Youโll Love Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup
Bold Cajun Flavor
A perfect mix of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors in every bite.
Creamy & Comforting
Rich, velvety broth with just the right amount of cheesiness.
One-Pot Wonder
Minimal cleanup with maximum flavorโbecause we love an easy meal!
Protein-Packed & Satisfying
Loaded with chicken and pasta for a filling, wholesome dish.
Customizable Heat
Adjust the spice level to your likingโmild, medium, or extra bold!
Ingredients in Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup
Hereโs what makes this soup so incredibly delicious:
Chicken Breast
Juicy, tender, and the perfect protein base for this dish.
Pasta
Adds heartinessโsmall pasta shapes like penne or rotini work best.
Butter
Creates a rich, creamy base and enhances the Cajun spices.
Garlic & Onion
Aromatics that add depth and warmth to the soup.
Cajun Seasoning
The star ingredientโspicy, smoky, and full of Southern charm.
Chicken Broth
The flavorful liquid base that brings everything together.
Heavy Cream
Makes the soup luxuriously creamy and rich.
Parmesan Cheese
Adds a nutty, salty depth that complements the Cajun flavors.
Bell Peppers
A pop of sweetness to balance the spice.
Tomatoes
Brings a slight tanginess and rounds out the broth.
Spinach (Optional)
A fresh, vibrant addition that sneaks in some greens.
Instructions
Sautรฉ the Aromatics
In a large pot, melt butter and sautรฉ onion, garlic, and bell peppers until soft and fragrant.
Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, and cook until golden and fully cooked through.
Add the Broth & Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, bringing everything to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the Pasta
Add the pasta and let it cook until perfectly tender.
Make It Creamy
Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, letting the soup thicken slightly.
Final Touches
Toss in the spinach (if using) and stir until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve & Enjoy
Ladle into bowls, top with extra Parmesan, and get ready to fall in love with every spoonful!
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup
With Crusty Bread
Perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop of that creamy broth.
With a Side Salad
A crisp green salad balances out the richness of the soup.
With Extra Parmesan & Cajun Spice
Sprinkle more cheese or an extra pinch of Cajun seasoning for a bold flavor boost.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil takes it up a notch.
Additional Tips
Use Rotisserie Chicken for a Shortcut
Shred pre-cooked chicken to save time.
Control the Spice Level
Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your preferred heat level.
Donโt Overcook the Pasta
Cook it al dente so it holds up in the soup.
Store Leftovers Properly
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat Gently
Warm on low heat to prevent the cream from separating.
FAQ Section
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Any short pasta like fusilli, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni works great.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! Just store it without the pasta and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
Can I freeze this soup?
Itโs best enjoyed fresh, but if freezing, do so without the pasta and creamโadd those when reheating.
What if I donโt have Cajun seasoning?
Make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and black pepper.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
How do I thicken the soup?
Let it simmer a bit longer, or add a cornstarch slurry for extra thickness.
Can I add shrimp instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Shrimp works beautifully with the Cajun flavorsโjust cook it quickly at the end.
What vegetables can I add?
Mushrooms, zucchini, or even corn would be great additions.
How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?
Grate fresh Parmesan and add it gradually while stirring constantly.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and double-check your Cajun seasoning for hidden gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is everything you want in a comfort mealโcreamy, spicy, hearty, and absolutely delicious. Whether youโre making it for a cozy night in or impressing guests with a bold, flavorful dish, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.
PrintCreamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
This Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish with a rich, spicy Cajun broth, tender chicken, and creamy parmesan. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this one-pot soup comes together in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
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1 tablespoon oil
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1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 cup onion, diced
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1 cup celery, diced
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1 cup bell pepper, diced
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4 cloves garlic, chopped
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1 teaspoon thyme, chopped
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1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
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6 cups chicken broth
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1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (optional)
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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8 ounces pasta (such as ditalini or shells)
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1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
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1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
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2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional)
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2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
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Cayenne, salt, and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken:
Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning and cook until golden brown, about 2-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
2. Sautรฉ Vegetables:
In the same pot, melt butter, then add onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Seasoning:
Stir in garlic, thyme, and Cajun seasoning and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Simmer the Soup:
Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and pasta. Return the chicken to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until pasta is al dente, about 7 minutes.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Remove the chicken, shred or slice it, and return it to the pot.
6. Make It Creamy:
Turn off the heat, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan, and let it melt into the broth.
7. Finish & Serve:
Stir in lemon juice, parsley, and green onions. Season with cayenne, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
Slow Cooker Option:
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Follow steps 1-3, then transfer everything except the pasta to a slow cooker.
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Cook on LOW for 6-10 hours or HIGH for 2-4 hours.
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Add pasta during the last 10 minutes and cook until tender.
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Continue with steps 5-7.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg