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Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 110 reviews

A creamy, flavorful gluten-free cajun chicken pasta made with a rich cashew cream sauce, sautéed bell peppers, and tender chicken breasts. This dish combines hearty protein with a smoky, spicy sauce for a comforting yet healthy meal option.

Ingredients

Scale

Cashew Cream

  • 3/4 cup raw cashews
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Main Ingredients

  • 12 ounces gluten free pasta
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
  • 1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 large yellow or orange bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • Parsley, to garnish (optional)

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Pinch or two of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • OR 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (to replace onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, thyme)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste

Instructions

  1. Soak Cashews: In a heat-proof bowl, cover raw cashews with just-boiled water and soak for at least 30 minutes or up to an hour. For faster soaking, simmer cashews on the stovetop for about 10 minutes until pale and plump.
  2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the gluten-free pasta according to package instructions. Reserve about 3/4 cup of pasta cooking water before draining. Set pasta aside.
  3. Mix Spices: In a small bowl, combine onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne (if using). Alternatively, use 2 tablespoons pre-made Cajun seasoning instead.
  4. Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add chicken pieces and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of the prepared Cajun seasoning mix. Cook, turning frequently until chicken is cooked through and browned on all sides. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
  5. Sauté Vegetables: Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet. Add diced onion, sliced bell peppers, and chopped garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender. If skillet base gets too dark, add a little water and lower heat to prevent burning.
  6. Add Tomato Paste and Spices: Stir in tomato paste and remaining Cajun seasoning. Cook for about one minute, stirring frequently, until spices are fragrant and tomato paste darkens slightly. Remove skillet from heat.
  7. Make Cashew Cream Sauce: Drain soaked cashews. In a blender, combine cashews, broth, nutritional yeast, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Blend on high for at least one minute until very smooth and creamy.
  8. Combine and Simmer: Return skillet to medium-low heat. Add cooked pasta, chicken, and cashew cream sauce to the skillet. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer. Add reserved pasta water gradually to adjust sauce consistency to your preference, making it softer and creamier if desired.
  9. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a quicker cashew cream, simmer cashews instead of soaking.
  • Reserve pasta water to help thin the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
  • Use chicken or vegetable broth for a richer flavor in the cream sauce.
  • You can substitute pre-made Cajun seasoning for the individual spices to save time.
  • Adjust cayenne amount based on your preferred spice level.
  • This pasta is gluten-free when using gluten-free pasta.
  • For a vegan version, ensure to use vegetable broth and omit the chicken or use plant-based chicken alternatives.

Keywords: Cashew Cream Pasta, Cajun Chicken Pasta, Gluten Free Pasta Recipe, Creamy Cajun Chicken, Dairy-Free Cream Sauce, Healthy Cajun Pasta

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