Name: Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 3 celery stalks, diced; 2 large carrots, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained; 8 oz small pasta (penne, rotini, or shells); 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and black pepper to taste

Description

A rich and satisfying soup combining tender chicken, pasta, and bold Cajun spices in a creamy Parmesan base. This hearty one-pot meal is ready in 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
2 large carrots, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
8 oz small pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
2. Add remaining oil to pot. Cook onion, celery, and carrots 5-6 minutes until softened. Add garlic, remaining Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne. Cook 30 seconds.
3. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir 1-2 minutes to create roux.
4. Gradually add chicken broth while stirring constantly. Add diced tomatoes and bring to boil.
5. Return chicken to pot and simmer 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
6. Add pasta and cook according to package directions minus 1-2 minutes.
7. Remove from heat. Slowly stir in cream, then add Parmesan cheese gradually until melted.
8. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Store in refrigerator for 3-4 days. Add extra broth when reheating as pasta absorbs liquid. For freezing, consider making base without pasta and adding when reheating.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 485
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 890mg
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 32g