Description
Parmesan cajun chicken pasta soup delivers comfort in a hearty bowl, blending Southern spice with Italian creaminess. Spicy, rich flavors dance across palates, inviting you to savor each luxurious spoonful of this soul-warming culinary adventure.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 6 cups chicken broth
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Main Seasonings and Additions:
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 8 ounces pasta (such as ditalini or shells)
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- Cayenne, salt, and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare chicken by coating with Cajun spices and searing in hot oil over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through, approximately 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a separate plate.
- In the identical pot, melt butter and sauté diced onions, celery, and bell peppers until vegetables become translucent and tender, around 6 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic, dried thyme, and additional Cajun seasoning, stirring continuously to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors, about 1 minute.
- Gradually pour chicken broth into the vegetable mixture, incorporating diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and uncooked pasta. Reintroduce seared chicken pieces into the liquid.
- Increase heat to bring the soup to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook until pasta reaches al dente texture, approximately 8 minutes.
- Extract chicken from the pot, shred or slice into bite-sized pieces, and return to the simmering soup.
- Remove pot from heat source, gently fold in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing residual warmth to create a smooth, rich consistency.
- Brighten flavors by stirring in fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, and sliced green onions. Adjust seasoning with cayenne, salt, and black pepper according to preference.
- Ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately for optimal taste and temperature.
Notes
- Enhance the Cajun seasoning kick by toasting spices briefly in the pot before adding chicken for a deeper, more intense flavor profile.
- Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising the soup’s rich, creamy texture.
- Control sodium levels by using low-sodium chicken broth and gradually adding salt to match your taste preference.
- Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and ensure perfectly timed soup preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg