Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup (Print version)

A hearty Cajun chicken soup with tender pasta, tomatoes, cream, parmesan, and a smoky spice blend.

# Ingredients:

For the chicken

01 - 1 1/2 lb (680 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
02 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
03 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
04 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
05 - 1 tablespoon neutral oil

For the soup

06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 1 small yellow onion, diced
08 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
09 - 1 celery rib, diced
10 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, plus more to taste
12 - 5 cups (1.2 L) low-sodium chicken broth
13 - 1 can (14.5 oz or 411 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
14 - 1 cup (120 g) ditalini or other small pasta
15 - 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, at room temperature if possible
16 - 3/4 cup (75 g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
17 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced

# Instructions:

01 - Pat the chicken dry. Coat it with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
02 - Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until browned, then transfer it to a plate.
03 - Reduce heat to medium. Add butter, onion, bell pepper, and celery to the same pot. Cook for 5-6 minutes, then stir in garlic and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning for 1 minute.
04 - Add chicken broth and diced tomatoes, scraping the bottom of the pot. Return the chicken and simmer for 12-15 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F.
05 - Transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Shred or chop it into bite-size pieces.
06 - Stir the ditalini into the simmering broth. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until just tender.
07 - Lower the heat. Stir in heavy cream, parmesan, and shredded chicken until smooth and hot. Taste and adjust salt or Cajun seasoning, then serve with green onions.

# Good to know:

01 - Use low-sodium broth because Cajun seasoning and parmesan add salt.
02 - For thicker soup, let it rest 5 minutes before serving.
03 - For thinner soup, add extra hot broth after the pasta cooks.

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