Dairy free and gluten free, this creamy Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta is a lightened-up version of a comfort food classic! Perfect for any night of the week, it’s wholesome and bursting with zesty Cajun flavor. This recipe is not just delicious but also offers a vegan option, making it versatile for various dietary preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish can be whipped up in about 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Creamy without Dairy: The cashew cream creates a rich and satisfying sauce that’s completely dairy free!
- Flavor Packed: With bold Cajun spices and fresh vegetables, every bite is a burst of flavor.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level or substitute protein to suit your taste.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Made with nutritious components like cashews and bell peppers, it’s a healthy choice for the whole family.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need to prepare this delicious meal.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Heat-proof bowl
- Blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Necessary for boiling pasta to achieve the perfect texture.
- Skillet: Ideal for sautéing ingredients, ensuring even cooking and flavor blending.
- Blender: Essential for creating the smooth cashew cream sauce that brings the dish together.
Ingredients
For the Cashew Cream Sauce
- 3/4 cup raw cashews
- 1 1/2 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
For the Pasta Dish
- 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 pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 large yellow or orange pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Spices
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- (Pinch or two of cayenne (optional))
OR
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning instead of onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, and thyme
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free!
Step 1: Soak Cashews
- In a heat-proof bowl, cover raw cashews with just boiled water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes or up to an hour. If you’re short on time, simmer them on the stove for about 10 minutes until they are pale and plump.
Step 2: Cook Pasta
- Start a large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Cook gluten free pasta according to package instructions. Reserve about 3/4 cup of cooking water before draining.
Step 3: Prepare Spice Mix
- In a small bowl, mix together all the dried spices—onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, thyme, and optional cayenne until well combined.
Step 4: Cook Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breast pieces seasoned with Cajun spice mix. Cook until browned on both sides and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 5: Sauté Vegetables
- Add remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet along with diced onion, bell peppers, and chopped garlic. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until tender. If needed, add water to deglaze the pan if it gets too dark.
Step 6: Add Tomato Paste & Spices
- Stir in tomato paste and remaining Cajun seasoning. Cook for another minute until aromatic. Remove from heat while making the sauce.
Step 7: Blend Cashew Sauce
- Drain soaked cashews and add them to a blender with broth, nutritional yeast, salt, and black pepper. Blend on high until super smooth and creamy—about one minute.
Step 8: Combine Ingredients
- Return skillet to medium-low heat. Add cooked pasta, chicken pieces, and cashew cream sauce. Stir until well combined while scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer briefly until everything is heated through.
Step 9: Adjust Consistency
- Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
Final Seasoning
- Taste your dish; season with additional salt or pepper if necessary. Top with fresh parsley if desired before serving!
How to Serve Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free!
Serving Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta is all about enhancing the flavors and making the dish visually appealing. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
- Basil: For an aromatic twist, consider adding fresh basil leaves as a garnish.
Pair with a Salad
- Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the creamy pasta perfectly.
- Cucumber and Tomato Salad: This refreshing salad adds crunch and balances out the richness of the dish.
Serve with Crusty Bread
- Garlic Bread: Toast some gluten-free garlic bread to serve alongside, perfect for scooping up that creamy sauce.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm dinner rolls can be a delightful side to soak up any remaining sauce on your plate.
Add Some Crunch
- Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or almonds on top for added texture and flavor.
- Panko Crumbs: For a crunchier topping, consider adding gluten-free panko crumbs before serving.
How to Perfect Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free!
Perfecting your Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta can make all the difference in taste and texture. Here are some tips to ensure your dish is always delicious.
- Use Soaked Cashews: Soaking cashews helps achieve that creamy texture in your sauce. Aim for at least 30 minutes in hot water.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the cayenne pepper. For more heat, feel free to add extra Cajun seasoning.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Keep some pasta water aside; it helps adjust the sauce’s consistency without losing flavor.
- Sauté Veggies Properly: Ensure vegetables are sautéed until tender but still vibrant for added texture and visual appeal.
- Blend Until Smooth: When making the cashew cream, blend until completely smooth for a velvety sauce that coats pasta nicely.
- Taste Before Serving: Always season your dish before serving. Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
Best Side Dishes for Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free!
Pairing side dishes with your Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta can enhance your meal further. Here are some fantastic options that complement this creamy delight.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized adds depth and nutrition to your meal.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli offers a crunchy contrast and brightens up the plate.
- Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers provides a protein-packed side that is light yet filling.
- Coleslaw: A zesty coleslaw can provide a nice crunch and balance out the creamy pasta dish.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic pair well with the Cajun flavors of the pasta.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob brings a delightful sweetness that contrasts nicely with spicy dishes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free! can be a breeze, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the soaking step: Not soaking cashews properly will result in a grainy texture. Ensure they soak for at least 30 minutes to achieve the creamy consistency.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken too long can make it dry. Monitor cooking time and remove it from heat once it’s no longer pink inside.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: The spices may need tweaking based on personal preference. Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
- Not reserving pasta water: Discarding all pasta water can lead to a sauce that is too thick. Reserve some to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Using low-quality broth: A bland broth will affect the overall flavor of your dish. Opt for a high-quality or homemade broth for better taste.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Keep the pasta separate from the sauce if possible, to maintain texture.
Freezing Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free!
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Label containers with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free!
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in a covered dish for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until heated through, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to help loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free!?
This dish uses blended soaked cashews instead of dairy cream, making it rich and creamy while remaining completely dairy-free.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken with your favorite plant-based protein or veggies, and you’ll still enjoy the delicious flavors.
How do I adjust spice levels in my Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free!?
You can easily modify the spice by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper or using milder Cajun seasoning blends according to your taste preferences.
What can I use instead of gluten-free pasta?
You can substitute gluten-free pasta with spiralized vegetables like zucchini or spaghetti squash for a lighter option that’s still satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free! is not only comforting but also versatile. With its zesty flavor and creamy texture, it’s perfect for any night of the week. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or protein sources. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta
Indulge in the creamy goodness of Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta, a delightful dairy-free and gluten-free twist on a comforting classic. This vibrant dish combines tender chicken with zesty Cajun spices, all enveloped in a luscious cashew cream sauce that is both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe can be easily customized to suit your dietary preferences, including a vegan option.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup raw cashews
- 1 1/2 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
- 12 ounces gluten-free pasta
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1/2 large red pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 large yellow or orange pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 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 (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning instead of onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, and thyme
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Soak cashews in boiling water for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook gluten-free pasta according to package instructions; reserve some pasta water.
- Mix together spices in a bowl.
- Sauté chicken in olive oil until cooked through; set aside.
- Sauté vegetables, adding tomato paste and the spice mix.
- Blend soaked cashews with broth and seasonings until smooth.
- Combine pasta, chicken, and cashew sauce in the skillet; adjust consistency with reserved pasta water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For a vegan version, substitute chicken with plant-based protein or hearty vegetables like mushrooms. Adjust spice levels by modifying the amount of cayenne or using milder seasonings according to taste.
