Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta

This Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that brings bold Cajun spices together with a silky dairy-free cashew cream sauce. Juicy, seasoned chicken, tender pasta, and a luscious sauce make this a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and nutritious. Whether you’re following a dairy-free diet or simply looking for a new twist on classic Cajun pasta, this recipe is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Dairy-Free & Creamy: Cashew cream provides a velvety texture without the need for heavy cream.
• Bold Cajun Flavors: A perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory seasonings.
• Protein-Packed: Juicy chicken adds a hearty and satisfying bite.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps and wholesome ingredients come together in just 30 minutes.
• Customizable: Swap proteins, adjust spice levels, or make it gluten-free with alternative pasta.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cashew Cream:

• Raw cashews (soaked)
• Water
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Salt

For the Cajun Chicken Pasta:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs)
• Cajun seasoning
• Olive oil
• Onion (diced)
• Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green, sliced)
• Garlic (minced)
• Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or gluten-free pasta)
• Vegetable or chicken broth
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Cashew Cream

1. Soak raw cashews in hot water for at least 15 minutes (or overnight for best results).
2. Drain and blend with water, lemon juice, garlic, and salt until smooth. Set aside.

2. Cook the Cajun Chicken

3. Coat the chicken with Cajun seasoning.
4. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove from the pan and slice.

3. Cook the Pasta & Sauté Vegetables

5. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. In the same pan, sauté onions and bell peppers until soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
7. Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook until slightly softened.

4. Combine & Serve

8. Pour the cashew cream into the pan along with broth to loosen the sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes.
9. Toss in the cooked pasta and sliced chicken, stirring to coat everything in the sauce.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegan Option: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
• Extra Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the Cajun seasoning.
• Cheesy Twist: Stir in nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami-rich flavor.
• Seafood Cajun Pasta: Swap chicken for shrimp or salmon.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cashew cream?

Yes! If short on time, store-bought cashew cream or another dairy-free cream substitute works.

How do I make this pasta less spicy?

Reduce the Cajun seasoning and omit cayenne or red pepper flakes.

Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Make the cashew cream and cook the chicken in advance to speed up the process.

What’s the best pasta for this recipe?

Penne, fettuccine, or linguine work best, but any pasta shape will do.

Can I use coconut milk instead of cashew cream?

Yes, but it will slightly change the flavor. Cashew cream is more neutral and thick.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Blend in more cashews or let the sauce simmer longer to reduce.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

Make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and cayenne.

Can I make this nut-free?

Use a dairy-free alternative like oat cream or a blended mix of silken tofu and plant milk.

How do I get a perfectly seared chicken?

Make sure the pan is hot, don’t overcrowd it, and let the chicken cook undisturbed for a golden crust.

Can I add more veggies?

Absolutely! Mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini are great additions.

Conclusion

Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With bold Cajun flavors, a silky dairy-free sauce, and juicy chicken, this recipe is both nutritious and indulgent. Customize it with your favorite ingredients and enjoy a healthier twist on a comfort food classic!

Print