Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta is a dish that manages to feel both deeply comforting and a little bit thrilling every time I serve it. Creamy, dairy-free cashew sauce wraps around twirls of pasta and tender Cajun-spiced chicken, while sweet bell peppers and a hint of lemon add color and zing. Whether you’re a long-time lover of creamy pastas or new to the magic of cashew cream, this fusion recipe is impossible to resist: it’s big on flavor, light on fuss, and strikes that dreamy balance between nutritious and downright indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta is refreshingly straightforward, relying on just a few pantry and fridge staples. Every ingredient is handpicked to contribute bold flavor, a lush, creamy texture, or a pop of color and freshness in the finished dish.
- Pasta: Penne or fettuccine are classic choices—pick your favorite shape for maximum sauce-catching power.
- Raw cashews: These little gems create the silkiest dairy-free cream sauce after a quick soak and blend.
- Water: Used to soak and blend the cashews, it helps achieve that dreamy, pourable consistency.
- Lemon juice: Adds a sunny brightness and just the right acidity to balance the richness of the sauce.
- Olive oil: A drizzle is all you need for sautéing and enhancing flavor in every layer.
- Chicken breasts: Sliced thinly, they soak up the Cajun seasoning and stay juicy in the finished dish.
- Cajun seasoning: The heart and soul of the recipe—smoky, spicy, and guaranteed to wake up your palate.
- Red bell pepper: Sliced for bursts of color and sweet crunch.
- Yellow bell pepper: Offers a mellow sweetness and makes the plate visually stunning.
- Garlic: Just two cloves lend aromatic magic that ties everything together.
- Red onion: Brings savory depth and a hint of sharpness to offset the creamy sauce.
- Salt: Season to taste to bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.
- Black pepper: A finishing sprinkle adds gentle heat and warmth.
- Chopped parsley: The ideal garnish for a pop of green freshness on top.
How to Make Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until just al dente. Don’t forget to scoop out and save about 1/4 cup of that pasta water right before draining; this liquid gold is perfect for loosening the sauce later and making it cling to the noodles.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cashew Cream
While the pasta bubbles away, get your cashews soaking in hot water. After just 20 minutes, they’ll be soft enough to blend with water and lemon juice into a lusciously smooth, pale cream. This cashew base is the secret to all that creamy goodness without a drop of dairy.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
Heat up a tablespoon of olive oil in your largest skillet over medium-high heat. Toss your sliced chicken in Cajun seasoning for maximum flavor, then cook it for 5 to 6 minutes until beautifully browned on the outside and juicy inside. Set the cooked chicken aside on a plate while we move on to the next layer of flavor.
Step 4: Sauté the Veggies
Right in the same pan, drizzle in the rest of the olive oil and toss in your sliced bell peppers, red onion, and minced garlic. Sauté them for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until softened and fragrant but still vibrant in color. This step adds a lovely sweet crunch and lots of fresh dimension to the Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta.
Step 5: Bring it All Together
Lower the heat, return the chicken to the pan, and pour in your freshly blended cashew cream. Begin adding reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring until the sauce is silky and coats all the goodies. Toss in your drained pasta, season everything with a bit of salt and black pepper, and stir gently to combine. You’ll know it’s ready when every noodle is luxuriously coated and the aroma makes your mouth water.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Spoon the Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta into bowls and shower each serving with chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately, while it’s piping hot and at its sauciest.
How to Serve Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley gives a pop of color and a subtle grassy brightness. For something extra, try a pinch of red pepper flakes, a little fresh cracked black pepper, or even some lemon zest for an aromatic finish.
Side Dishes
Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a citrusy vinaigrette. If you’re craving something extra, warm, crusty bread or classic garlic knots are perfect for mopping up every bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party-worthy presentation, twirl the pasta into neat nests on each plate and top with a little extra chicken and peppers. Or serve family-style on a platter so everyone can dig in. For fun, try spooning it into individual ramekins and baking with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for a Cajun-inspired pasta bake.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The cashew cream stays surprisingly velvety, so you’ll have a delicious, creamy lunch or dinner ready for busy days.
Freezing
You can freeze portions for later—just cool the pasta completely before sealing it in freezer-safe containers. While fresh is always best, this dish reheats well from frozen and is a total lifesaver for quick, hearty meals during the week.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Give everything a stir and top with fresh parsley to revive the freshness before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Shrimp, sliced turkey, or even tofu work beautifully with the bold Cajun flavors and creamy cashew sauce. Just adjust the cooking times as needed.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you choose your favorite gluten-free pasta, Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta becomes a fantastic gluten-free dinner option without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Can I make my own Cajun seasoning?
Yes! Just mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and thyme for a homemade blend that’s fresher and customizable to your preferred heat level.
What can I add for extra vegetables?
Spinach and mushrooms are wonderful additions—just add them with the peppers for more color, nutrients, and texture. Feel free to get creative with seasonal veggies.
Will the cashew cream taste nutty?
Surprisingly, no! Once blended with water and lemon, soaked cashews create an ultra-creamy, neutral base that tastes rich and savory, not overtly nutty at all.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like digging into a big, steamy bowl of Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta—especially when you know it’s nourishing, easy enough for any weeknight, and full of bold flavors. I hope this recipe becomes one of your favorites to share with family and friends. Go ahead, give it a try, and let this dish bring a little spice and creamy comfort to your table!
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Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta. This dairy-free dish combines tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a luscious cashew cream sauce with a kick of Cajun seasoning, all tossed with your favorite pasta.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
Cashew Cream:
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 20 minutes)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Chicken and Vegetables:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 small red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 small yellow bell pepper (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 small red onion (sliced)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Make the cashew cream: Blend soaked cashews, water, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Cook the chicken: Season and brown chicken in olive oil.
- Sauté vegetables: Cook bell peppers, onion, and garlic until tender.
- Combine: Return chicken to skillet, add cashew cream, and pasta water to create the sauce. Toss in pasta, season, and garnish before serving.
Notes
- Customize the spice level by adjusting the Cajun seasoning.
- Enhance with additional vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 590 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
