Description
Hearty Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup brings Louisiana flavors to comfort dining. Spicy chicken, al dente pasta, and rich parmesan cream combine in a bowl where you can savor regional culinary magic.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 8 oz pasta (such as ditalini or shells; use gluten-free if needed)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp thyme, chopped
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (use gluten-free for gluten-free version)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
- 2 tbsps parsley, chopped (optional)
- Cayenne, salt, and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Protein Preparation: Generously season chicken and sear in hot oil until golden brown, creating a crisp exterior while ensuring thorough internal cooking.
- Flavor Foundation: In the same pan, sauté aromatic vegetables until caramelized, developing a robust flavor base that will anchor the soup’s complexity.
- Spice Infusion: Introduce Cajun seasoning, herbs, and spices, allowing them to bloom and release their intense aromatics into the vegetable mixture.
- Liquid Integration: Pour chicken broth into the pot, incorporating tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and seared chicken to build a deeply flavored liquid foundation.
- Pasta and Protein Fusion: Add pasta directly into the simmering liquid, cooking until al dente while simultaneously allowing the chicken to become tender and fully integrated.
- Creamy Transformation: Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan, creating a luxurious, velvety texture that enriches the soup’s overall character.
- Final Flourish: Brighten the dish with fresh lemon juice, adjust seasoning with cayenne, salt, and cracked pepper, and garnish with chopped parsley and green onions.
- Serving Suggestion: Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls, ensuring each portion captures the full spectrum of Cajun-inspired flavors and creamy richness.
Notes
- Master Protein Searing: Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve a golden-brown crust that locks in chicken’s moisture and flavor.
- Develop Flavor Layers: Caramelize vegetables slowly to create a deep, sweet foundation that elevates the entire soup’s taste profile.
- Spice Blooming Technique: Toast herbs and Cajun spices briefly to release their essential oils, intensifying the aromatic complexity of the dish.
- Cream Integration Trick: Add heavy cream and Parmesan off the direct heat to prevent separation and maintain a silky, smooth texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg