Description
Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup brings comfort and spice together in one hearty bowl. Warm, rich flavors dance with creamy textures, inviting you to savor each spoonful of this soul-satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 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
- 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
Seasonings, Dairy, and Other Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 8 ounces pasta (such as ditalini or shells)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional)
- Cayenne, salt, and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in a large pot until fragrant and translucent, releasing their aromatic flavors.
- Add sliced chicken pieces seasoned with Cajun spice blend, stirring continuously to ensure even browning and maximum flavor absorption.
- Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes, creating a robust liquid base for the soup’s foundation.
- Transfer the sautéed mixture to the slow cooker, incorporating heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese for a luxurious, velvety texture.
- Set slow cooker to low temperature and allow ingredients to simmer and meld together, developing deep, complex flavors over several hours.
- Approximately 10-15 minutes before serving, introduce uncooked pasta directly into the slow cooker, allowing it to cook until perfectly al dente.
- Stir the soup gently to distribute pasta evenly and prevent sticking, ensuring each spoonful contains a harmonious blend of ingredients.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, potentially adding extra Cajun spice or salt to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.
Notes
- Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing Cajun seasoning to suit personal heat preferences.
- Swap chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken or plant-based protein to create a quick alternative.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring the soup remains creamy and satisfying.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers and consume within 3-4 days for optimal flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg