Description
Creamy parmesan cajun chicken pasta soup blends Southern comfort with Italian flair. Spicy, rich flavors mingle in a hearty bowl that satisfies and warms. You’ll savor each comforting spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz (226 g) small pasta (ditalini, small shells, or elbow)
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
- 1 cup diced celery
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cayenne pepper or hot sauce (optional, for more heat)
- Optional garnishes: chopped parsley, sliced green onions, extra Parmesan
Instructions
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a pot and cook seasoned chicken over medium-high heat until golden-brown and fully cooked, then remove and set aside.
- Vegetable Base: In the same pot, melt butter and sauté onions, bell peppers, and celery until translucent, then add minced garlic and thyme, allowing aromatics to release their essence for one minute.
- Liquid Integration: Pour chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce into the vegetable mixture, bringing to a robust boil, then add uncooked pasta and reduce heat to simmer until pasta reaches al dente texture.
- Protein Reunion: Shred the reserved chicken into bite-sized pieces and return to the developing soup, stirring to incorporate evenly.
- Creamy Transformation: Introduce heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring gently to create a luxurious, velvety consistency.
- Final Flourish: Brighten flavors with a hint of lemon juice, adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, and Cajun spices, then garnish with fresh parsley, green onions, or additional Parmesan before serving in warm bowls.
Notes
- Sear Chicken with Precision: Ensure high heat and minimal movement for a perfect golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and develops deep flavor complexity.
- Pasta Cooking Technique: Add pasta directly to broth to absorb maximum flavor; monitor liquid levels to prevent sticking and achieve ideal al dente texture without becoming mushy.
- Cream Integration Strategy: Reduce heat when adding cream to prevent curdling; stir continuously and introduce gradually for a smooth, silky consistency that maintains soup’s rich character.
- Spice Customization Method: Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity based on personal heat tolerance; start with less and incrementally add to balance flavor without overwhelming the dish’s delicate profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg