Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal with this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, a lightened-up take on a classic dish. This recipe is dairy-free, gluten-free, and packed with bold Cajun spices. Made with a rich cashew cream sauce, it delivers all the creamy goodness you crave without any dairy. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish can also be adapted for a vegan option by omitting the chicken and adding extra vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Bursting with bold Cajun flavors
Rich and creamy without dairy
Completely gluten-free
Quick & easy to make in just 30 minutes
Easily adaptable for a vegan or vegetarian meal

Ingredients:

For the Cashew Cream Sauce:

3/4 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 30 minutes)
1 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Pasta:

12 ounces gluten-free pasta (penne or your choice)
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced (or plant-based alternative)
1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
1/2 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 large orange or yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste

Cajun Seasoning Mix:

1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) (Or substitute with 2 tablespoons store-bought Cajun seasoning)

Optional Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cashew Cream Sauce

Soak raw cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes. If short on time, simmer them on the stovetop for 10 minutes.
Drain cashews and blend with broth, nutritional yeast, salt, and black pepper until completely smooth. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve 3/4 cup of pasta water. Set pasta aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken & Veggies

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add diced chicken and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook until fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet, then sauté onion, bell peppers, and garlic until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
Stir in tomato paste and remaining Cajun seasoning, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the skillet to low heat. Add cooked pasta, chicken, and cashew cream sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
Bring to a gentle simmer, adding reserved pasta water as needed to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Customizations & Variations:

Make it spicier: Add extra cayenne or red pepper flakes.
Vegetarian/Vegan option: Skip the chicken and add mushrooms, spinach, or extra bell peppers.
Extra creamy: Blend in a splash of dairy-free milk for an even richer sauce.

Storage & Reheating Tips:

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain creaminess.
Freezing is not recommended as the cashew sauce may change in texture.

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and comfort—all while being dairy-free and gluten-free! Enjoy a cozy meal that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Let us know if you try it and what customizations you made!