Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup

Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is a bold and comforting one-pot dish that brings together the spice of Cajun seasoning, tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, cheesy broth. It’s a delicious cross between a creamy pasta dish and a hearty soup—perfect for cozy nights or when you’re craving something flavorful and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup takes the familiar comfort of chicken pasta and kicks it up with Cajun flair. It’s creamy, spicy, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every spoonful. One pot means easy cleanup, and it comes together quickly—great for weeknights. You can also easily adjust the spice level to your taste, and the leftovers reheat beautifully, making it just as good the next day.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken breast or thighs, cooked and shredded or diced
• Cajun seasoning
• Pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite small pasta)
• Onion, diced
• Bell peppers, diced (red, green, or yellow)
• Garlic, minced
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Olive oil or butter
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes, fresh parsley for garnish

directions

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in garlic and Cajun seasoning, cooking for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add cooked chicken and stir to coat with seasoning.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
5. Add pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally, about 8–10 minutes.
6. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and creamy.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 to 6 servings.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Spicier Version: Add more Cajun seasoning or a splash of hot sauce.
• Lighter Option: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
• Different Proteins: Try shrimp, sausage, or tofu for a twist.
• Veggie Add-ins: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini toward the end of cooking.
• Low-Carb Swap: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets instead of pasta.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the soup if it thickens. This soup can be frozen, but the texture of the pasta may soften slightly—freeze for up to 2 months and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, it’s a great shortcut. Just shred and add it to the soup when you add the Cajun seasoning.

What’s the best pasta for this soup?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, or macaroni work best. They hold the sauce well without getting mushy.

Can I make this soup less spicy?

Yes, use less Cajun seasoning or a mild blend. You can also add more cream to tone down the heat.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can use gluten-free pasta and make sure your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes—add all ingredients except the pasta, cream, and cheese. Cook on low for 4–6 hours, then stir in the remaining ingredients and cooked pasta before serving.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, and corn all work well in this soup.

How do I make it extra creamy?

Add a bit of cream cheese or more Parmesan for a richer texture.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but the soup will be thinner. Whole milk is the best substitute for richness.

Will the pasta get mushy in leftovers?

It can soften over time. To avoid this, cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl when serving.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and adds deep flavor. Avoid pre-shredded for best results.

Conclusion

Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is a spicy, cheesy, and soul-warming bowl of comfort that’s as easy to make as it is to love. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or meal-prepping for the week, it delivers big on flavor and creamy goodness. Keep this recipe in your rotation—you’ll crave it again and again.

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