Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup

If you love bold flavors and cozy comfort in the same bowl, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is about to become your new obsession! Imagine the spicy kick of smoky Cajun chicken, silky cream, tender pasta, and colorful veggies—each spoonful is pure satisfaction.

This one-pot wonder is not only loaded with flavor, but also quick and super easy to make. You get all the magic of classic Cajun pasta, but in a soul-warming, slurp-worthy soup form.

It’s perfect for busy weeknights, impressing guests at a casual dinner, or simply curling up with a big bowl after a long day. Inspired by my favorite bowl from a New Orleans bistro, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• One-pot meal delivers big flavor with minimal cleanup
• Ready in under an hour—perfect for busy nights
• Family-friendly, creamy, and just the right amount of spicy
• Easy to customize for your taste or dietary needs

Key Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cajun Seasoning

The heart and soul of this dish, Cajun seasoning brings a smoky, spicy depth that's totally irresistible. Use a high-quality store-bought blend or make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and oregano. Adjust the heat by using less or more, or swap for Creole seasoning for a slightly different flavor.

Chicken Breast

Boneless, skinless chicken breast keeps things lean but still juicy and satisfying. Cut into bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and evenly. You can also use boneless chicken thighs for extra richness, or even a rotisserie chicken to save time.

Short Pasta

Ditalini, rotini, or penne all work beautifully here, soaking up the creamy broth and adding satisfying texture. Choose your favorite or whatever you have on hand—just avoid long noodles like spaghetti, which don’t hold up as well in soup.

Bell Peppers

A classic Cajun staple, bell peppers add color, crunch, and a touch of sweetness. Use a mix of red, yellow, or green for maximum flavor and visual appeal. Frozen peppers can be used in a pinch!

Heavy Cream

Just a splash gives the soup its luscious, velvety base. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk—remember, the soup will be a little less rich but still delicious.

Instructions for Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, making sure each piece is well coated. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high. Add the chicken in a single layer and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Sauté the Veggies

In the same pot, add diced onion and bell peppers. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring often, until softened and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, just until you smell that delicious garlicky aroma.

Build the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom—those add big flavor! Stir in the drained tomatoes, corn, and a pinch more Cajun seasoning if you love spice. Bring everything to a gentle boil.

Cook the Pasta

Add your pasta directly to the simmering soup. Stir, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick.

Make It Creamy

Lower the heat and add the cooked chicken back to the pot. Pour in the heavy cream and Parmesan, stirring gently until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy and smooth. Taste and season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne if you want a little extra kick.

Garnish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, spicy bite!

Recipe Variations

Swap Your Protein

Not a fan of chicken, or just want to mix things up? Try using shrimp (add in the last few minutes of simmering), smoked sausage, or even leftover turkey for a fun twist.

Make It Gluten-Free

Use your favorite gluten-free short pasta or swap in cooked rice for a naturally gluten-free soup. Double-check your Cajun seasoning to ensure it's gluten-free, too.

Lighten It Up

Prefer a lighter soup? Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, and use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more flavor with a little less fat.

Veggie-Loaded Version

Boost the nutrition by adding chopped zucchini, spinach, or even kale in the last few minutes of simmering. The extra veggies add color, texture, and flavor.

Dairy-Free Option

Skip the heavy cream and Parmesan, and stir in a can of unsweetened coconut milk with a squeeze of lemon for creamy richness without the dairy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty soup with warm, crusty French bread or garlic toast for soaking up every drop of that luscious, creamy broth. For extra color and zing, sprinkle more fresh parsley, sliced green onions, or even a dollop of sour cream on top. Pair with a crisp green salad to round out the meal.

Storage and Reheating

Let leftover soup cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring gently until hot. Add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much. You can freeze the soup (before adding the pasta and cream) for up to 2 months; just add fresh pasta and cream after thawing and reheating for best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Make the soup up to 2 days ahead and store in the fridge. Add cooked pasta just before serving to keep it from getting too soft.

Q: Can I make this soup less spicy?
A: Yes! Use less Cajun seasoning or choose a mild blend. Skip the cayenne and offer hot sauce on the side so everyone can adjust their own heat.

Q: What pasta works best in this soup?
A: Short pasta shapes like ditalini, rotini, or penne hold up well and soak up the creamy broth. Avoid long noodles as they can become mushy.

Thanks for joining me in the kitchen! Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup is the ultimate comfort food with a spicy twist—easy enough for weeknights, special enough for sharing. If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turns out in the comments below, and don’t forget to leave a rating!