Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Cajun-inspired
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 small white onion (chopped); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning (divided); 5 cups chicken stock (or 4 cups chicken stock + 1 cup water); 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes (undrained); 1 cup heavy cream (at or close to room temperature); 1 cup ditalini (or other small pasta, dry); 1 pound chicken breasts or tenders (see Notes); 1 tablespoon neutral oil; 1 cup freshly grated parmesan (at room temperature, see Notes); salt and pepper (to taste); green onions (sliced, to garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy dinner that delivers a bit of heat, a lot of heartiness, and a luscious creamy texture, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is about to become your new weeknight hero. Every spoonful is packed with tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a Cajun-kissed richness that strikes the perfect balance of comforting and exciting. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or treating yourself to a flavorful bowl at the end of a long day, this dish blends everything we love about southern-inspired pasta with the ease and comfort of a soul-warming soup.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of essential ingredients, each chosen for its flavor and texture, come together to make this dish sing. Every component here adds something special to the bowl, from golden sautéed aromatics to velvety cream and that unmistakable Cajun kick.

Butter: Creates a rich flavor base and helps the aromatics become beautifully tender.
White Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the soup.
Garlic: Brings warmth and complexity with every bite.
Cajun Seasoning: This is the soul of the dish! Layer in heat and smoky spice with two additions for big flavor.
Chicken Stock: Forms the savory backbone of the soup—use high-quality stock for maximum depth.
Diced Tomatoes: Give tang, body, and a pop of color to brighten both flavor and appearance.
Heavy Cream: Makes the broth ultra-silky and deliciously indulgent.
Ditalini or Small Pasta: Small pasta shapes soak up flavor and make every spoonful satisfying.
Chicken Breasts or Tenders: Protein-packed and become tender, juicy bites throughout the soup.
Neutral Oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to a golden finish.
Freshly Grated Parmesan: Melts beautifully, lending saltiness and umami depth—grate just before adding for best melt.
Salt and Pepper: Essential final touches to balance all the other flavors.
Green Onions: Add a fresh, snappy garnish to finish things off with flair.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating your butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once it’s melted, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Let these cook for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened and your kitchen smells absolutely incredible. At this stage, stir in one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. This layering of spices at the beginning gives your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup that slow-simmered, deeply infused Cajun flavor.

Step 2: Add Liquids and Tomatoes

Take the pot off the heat briefly, then pour in your chicken stock, the undrained canned tomatoes, and the heavy cream. Stir everything together—this is your flavor-packed broth base. Place the pot back on the stove and bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce to a rapid simmer so the flavors meld together without scorching the dairy.

Step 3: Cook Pasta

Add your dry ditalini (or small pasta of choice) straight into the simmering soup. Stir well to prevent any pasta from sticking to the bottom. Let it cook for about ten minutes, stirring regularly; the pasta will plump up as it absorbs all that flavorful liquid.

Step 4: Season the Chicken

While your pasta is cooking, generously coat your chicken breasts or tenders in the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Don’t be shy—it’s this second hit of spices that gives the finished Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup its truly bold flavor.

Step 5: Sear the Chicken

Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add a bit of neutral oil. Once the oil is shimmering, place your seasoned chicken in the pan and let it cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side. The goal is a beautiful sear that locks in juices and maximizes flavor. Once done, let it rest on a cutting board to cool, then cut into bite-sized pieces.

Step 6: Add Parmesan and Chicken

Reduce the heat of your Dutch oven to low. Pull the pot off the burner, then stir in your freshly grated parmesan—this helps it melt smoothly without clumping. Add your diced, cooked chicken into the pot, stirring well. Simmer everything together for just a couple of minutes to bring all the flavors into harmony.

Step 7: Final Season and Serve

Give your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup a quick taste and finish with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Portion the soup into bowls, then shower each one with a flurry of sliced green onions for a crisp, fresh contrast to the rich, creamy broth. Serve immediately for peak coziness.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup

Garnishes

For a pop of color and extra flavor, a generous handful of sliced green onions is absolutely perfect. If you love even more heat, try a sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce right before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup with warm, crusty bread; it’s ideal for dunking and catching every last drop of that irresistible broth. A bright green salad with a tangy vinaigrette makes a great counterpoint to the soup’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving smaller portions as a bold starter for a Cajun-inspired dinner party, or ladle it into mugs for a cozy, casual night by the fire. For fun, let folks customize their soups at the table with a “garnish bar” featuring fresh herbs, jalapeños, lemon wedges, or crispy bacon bits.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any extra Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup should be cooled, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because the pasta continues to absorb liquid, the soup will thicken a bit overnight but the flavors only get better. It will keep well for up to three days.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup, but the pasta may soften further during storage. If you want the best texture, consider freezing the base without the pasta and adding freshly cooked pasta when reheating. Allow everything to cool before portioning into freezer containers, keeping for up to two months.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent scorching. If it’s become thicker than you’d like, just add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the broth. Give it a taste, and brighten it up with a little salt, pepper, or fresh green onions if desired.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken makes this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup even faster. Just skip the searing steps and add the chicken in with the parmesan to warm through.

What’s the best pasta shape besides ditalini?

Any small pasta shape works well—think elbow macaroni, small shells, or even orzo. Just make sure it cooks quickly and soaks up the flavors.

Is there a way to make this dairy-free?

Swap in your favorite dairy-free cream alternative and use a plant-based parmesan. The soup will still be deliciously rich and creamy, just with a slightly different finish.

Can I make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup less spicy?

Definitely! Use a mild Cajun seasoning blend, or reduce the amount to suit your taste. You can always add hot sauce at the table for those who like extra heat.

What’s a good substitute for chicken stock?

Vegetable stock is an easy swap if you want to change the flavor profile or keep things vegetarian (just leave out the chicken). The soup will still be flavorful and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something hearty and full of character, give this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup a try. I promise you’ll fall in love with its big flavors, velvety broth, and the sheer joy of sharing something truly comforting. Grab a spoon and enjoy every spicy, creamy bite!

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 12 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is a rich and flavorful dish that combines the warmth of soup with the heartiness of pasta and chicken. Perfect for a cozy night in.

Instructions

Heat butter in large dutch oven over medium-high heat. When butter is melted, add onions and garlic. Sauté approximately 5 minutes or until aromatics are tender and fragrant, then stir in 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning.
Remove pot from heat and stir in broth, diced tomatoes, and heavy cream. Return pot to heat and bring mixture to boil, then reduce heat to medium and let liquids come to rapid simmer.
Pour dry pasta into dutch oven and stir well. Cook 10 minutes, stirring regularly and making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking or burning.
While pasta cooks, sprinkle remaining 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning over chicken, covering all sides.
Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, pour in 1 tablespoon neutral oil and rotate the pan to cover the surface with oil.
Add seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook 3 to 5 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook on the other side for another 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let cool to touch, then chop chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Reduce heat under dutch oven to low. Remove the pot from heat and stir in grated parmesan until well combined. Return the pot to low heat and stir in chicken pieces, then let the soup simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
Taste soup and add salt and pepper to taste. Portion soup into serving bowls. Garnish with sliced onions if desired and serve warm.

Notes

For the chicken, you can use either chicken breasts or tenders, whichever you prefer.
Make sure the parmesan is freshly grated and at room temperature for better incorporation into the soup.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Cajun-inspired