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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup (The Ultimate One-Pot Comfort Recipe)

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 small white onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided
  • 5 cups chicken broth (or 4 cups broth + 1 cup water)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
  • 1 cup dry ditalini (or small pasta of choice)
  • 1 pound chicken breasts or tenders (thinly sliced for faster cooking)
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil (avocado, canola, or olive oil)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, at room temperature
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • Sliced green onions, for garnish

Optional add-ins for richness:

  • 2 oz softened cream cheese (for ultra-creamy texture)
  • 1–2 slices crisp bacon, crumbled on top

Instructions
 

  • Sauté the base: In a large Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until tender and aromatic. Stir in 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and let it bloom for 30 seconds.
  • Build the broth: Remove the pot from heat briefly. Stir in chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), and heavy cream. Return to heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce to a rapid simmer.
  • Add the pasta: Stir in dry pasta and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The soup will begin to thicken as the pasta cooks.
  • Cook the chicken: While the pasta simmers, season chicken on all sides with the remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning.Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add neutral oil. Sear chicken 3–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.Transfer to a cutting board, let rest a few minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  • Bring it all together: Reduce heat under the soup to low. Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add cooked chicken pieces and let simmer another 2–3 minutes to marry the flavors. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve: Ladle into bowls. Garnish with green onions, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and (if you’re feeling fancy) crumbled bacon. Serve warm.