Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is a comforting and flavorful hug in a bowl, perfect for a chilly evening. It features tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy broth infused with irresistible Cajun spices.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
- Mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 2-3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2-3 green onions, thinly sliced
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Optional: Diced bell peppers
- Optional: Corn
- Optional: Spinach
- Optional: Kale
Instructions
- If using raw chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the onion, celery, and carrots and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, and dried oregano to the pot and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- If using raw chicken, add it to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. It doesn't need to be cooked through at this point.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (if using raw chicken). If using pre-cooked chicken, simmer for just 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Stir in the ditalini pasta and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Remove the bay leaf.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until completely melted and smooth. Then, stir in the heavy cream. Do not boil the soup after adding the cream!
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that Cajun seasoning can be salty, so start with a little and add more as needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For the best flavor, use a high-quality Cajun seasoning blend. Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level. Softened cream cheese is key to a smooth and creamy texture. To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, cook it al dente and add it to the soup just before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup without the pasta; add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.