Looking for a creamy, comforting pasta dish with a kick of spice? Look no further than Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta! This decadent dish features tender chicken, creamy cashew sauce, and a bold Cajun seasoning that creates a dish so flavorful, it will become a weeknight favorite in no time. Whether you’re craving a rich pasta dish or something that’s full of both heat and creamy comfort, this recipe delivers it all in a bowl.
By making the creamy sauce from cashews instead of heavy cream, this recipe offers a dairy-free alternative that’s just as indulgent. It’s perfect for those who want the richness of a creamy pasta without any dairy or just want to switch things up with something a bit more unique. The Cajun seasoning adds a touch of spice and smokiness that perfectly balances the creamy cashew sauce, making each bite even more irresistible.
If you’re in the mood for a delicious and hearty pasta that’s quick, easy to prepare, and full of bold flavors, this Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta is just what you need. Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Creamy & Comforting – A rich, creamy sauce made from cashews instead of cream.
✅ Perfect Balance of Flavors – The spicy Cajun seasoning pairs wonderfully with the rich cashew cream.
✅ Dairy-Free – A great option for those avoiding dairy, yet still indulgent.
✅ Packed with Protein – Grilled chicken adds a satisfying boost of protein.
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
✅ Customizable – Adjust the level of spice, add extra vegetables, or use gluten-free pasta if desired.
Ingredients (in grams)
For 4 servings, you’ll need:
For the Chicken and Cajun Seasoning:
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (8g)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (2g)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (1g)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (1g)
- ½ teaspoon salt (3g)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (1g)
For the Cashew Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup raw cashews (150g), soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight
- 1 cup water (240ml)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (15g)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15ml)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (1g)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (1g)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (1g)
For the Pasta and Vegetables:
- 300g pasta of choice (penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine works well)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
- 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced (100g)
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced (100g)
- 2 cups spinach (60g)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Season the chicken breasts with the Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Once the pan is hot, cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
- Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Step 2: Make the Cashew Cream Sauce
- Drain and rinse the soaked cashews.
- In a blender, combine the cashews, water, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Blend on high until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pan used to cook the chicken, add another tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the red bell pepper and onion over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the spinach to the pan and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until wilted.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the sautéed vegetables and toss to combine.
- Pour the cashew cream sauce over the pasta and vegetables, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
- Add the sliced chicken on top and gently toss everything together.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta immediately, garnishing with additional Cajun seasoning or fresh herbs, if desired.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 26g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 6g
(Nutrition values may vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes.)
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta
✔️ Soak Cashews for Creaminess – Soaking the cashews is essential for a smooth, creamy sauce. You can soak them for a few hours or overnight. If you’re in a hurry, use boiling water to soak them for 10-15 minutes.
✔️ Adjust the Spice Level – If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild version. If you like things extra spicy, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
✔️ Add Extra Veggies – Feel free to toss in more veggies, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or tomatoes, to make the dish even more vibrant and nutritious.
✔️ Make it Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.
✔️ Make-Ahead Sauce – The cashew cream sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before adding it to the pasta.
Delicious Variations to Try
🍗 Add Shrimp – For a seafood twist, swap the chicken for shrimp. Sauté the shrimp in Cajun seasoning before adding them to the pasta.
🥑 Vegan Option – Omit the chicken and use tofu or chickpeas for a vegan version of this dish.
🍋 Lemon-Cashew Cajun Chicken Pasta – Add a splash of lemon juice and a zest of lemon to brighten up the dish and add a touch of freshness.
🥔 Cajun Chicken Pasta with Sweet Potatoes – Add roasted sweet potatoes to the pasta for extra sweetness and texture.
What to Serve with Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta
🥖 With Garlic Bread – Serve with garlic bread or crusty baguette for a comforting side to soak up the creamy sauce.
🥗 With a Side Salad – A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta.
🍷 With Wine – Pair this dish with a chilled glass of white wine, such as a Chardonnay or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
How to Store & Reheat Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta
🛑 Store – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🔥 Reheat – To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.
🧊 Freeze – You can freeze the pasta and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
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