If you’ve been on the lookout for a dish that perfectly blends the richness of creamy sauces with the exciting zest of Cajun flavors, this Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is your culinary jackpot. It’s creamy without any dairy, packed with wholesome ingredients, and easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests. The velvety cashew cream sauce brings a subtle nutty undertone that compliments the spicy, tender chicken and vibrant bell pepper. Honestly, once you try this pasta, it’s likely to become a fast favorite in your kitchen rotation, turning ordinary pasta night into a flavorful fiesta.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together in this recipe to create a masterpiece where every flavor shines. Each component is essential, contributing distinct taste, texture, or color to make the dish truly unforgettable.
- 12 ounces pasta such as penne or fettuccine: Choose your favorite shape as it holds the sauce beautifully and adds enjoyable bite.
- 1 cup raw cashews soaked in hot water for 30 minutes: Soaking softens these nuts to blend into a luscious creamy sauce base.
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or water: Keeps the sauce light and dairy-free while maintaining creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: A splash of acidity brightens the creamy sauce and balances the spices.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided: Adds richness and helps to sauté ingredients to perfection.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced: The star protein, seasoned generously to soak in Cajun spices.
- 1.5 tablespoons Cajun seasoning divided: Brings that bold Southern flair with a warming mix of spice and herbs.
- 3 cloves garlic minced: Adds wonderful aroma and depth of flavor to the dish.
- 1 red bell pepper sliced: Offers a sweet crunch and a splash of color that enlivens the whole plate.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and complements the Cajun seasoning perfectly.
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water: The secret to that silky sauce consistency, ensuring the cashew cream coats every strand.
- Fresh parsley or green onions chopped for garnish: A fresh green garnish for a pop of color and herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining—this starchy liquid is pure gold for adjusting your sauce’s texture later.
Step 2: Prepare the Cashew Cream Sauce
While the pasta cooks, toss soaked cashews, almond milk, lemon juice, and half of the Cajun seasoning into a blender. Blend until silky smooth with no lumps. This creamy cashew base carries the spice and richness without a drop of dairy, making it irresistibly creamy and comforting.
Step 3: Cook the Cajun Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken slices with the remaining Cajun seasoning and cook them in the hot oil until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. The searing locks in juicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. Once cooked, set the chicken aside to rest.
Step 4: Sauté Vegetables and Combine
In the same skillet, add the other tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper until fragrant and just softened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then reduce the heat to medium and gently stir in your luscious cashew cream sauce. Now, add the drained pasta and chicken back to the skillet and toss everything together, using the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed. Before serving, season with salt and black pepper for that perfect balance.
How to Serve Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions right before serving. These vibrant garnishes add a nice herbal brightness and contrast to the creamy, spicy richness of the dish. A dash of extra Cajun seasoning on top can also kick it up a notch if you’re feeling bold.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some roasted seasonal vegetables. The fresh, light sides help balance the rich and spicy flavors, making your meal well-rounded and satisfying. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread is perfect for sopping up every last bit of that decadent cashew cream sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try layering the pasta in individual serving bowls and topping each with a sunny-side-up egg for extra richness. You can also toss in some sautéed mushrooms or baby spinach for added texture and nutrients. The Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is flexible and welcomes your personal flair!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes great cold or reheated, but the flavors often deepen overnight, making it a delicious next-day lunch or easy dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze the pasta, but the texture of the sauce may change slightly once thawed. If freezing, separate the chicken and pasta from the sauce for best results—freeze in portion-sized containers, then combine and reheat gently to avoid separation.
Reheating
The best way to reheat this dish is in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of almond milk or reserved pasta water to rehydrate the sauce, stirring gently until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different nut instead of cashews for the cream sauce?
While cashews provide the creamiest texture and mildest flavor, you can experiment with blanched almonds or macadamia nuts soaked and blended similarly. Keep in mind, the flavor and creaminess might vary slightly.
Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat?
The Cajun seasoning adds a moderate spice level, but you can easily tailor it to your taste. For a milder dish, reduce the seasoning amount. To ramp up the heat, add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the chicken or in the sauce.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken for your favorite plant-based protein like sautéed tofu, tempeh, or seasoned mushrooms. The cashew cream sauce remains wonderfully dairy-free, keeping the dish rich and satisfying.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne, fettuccine, or other medium-width pasta shapes hold the thick cashew cream sauce nicely. You can also use gluten-free pasta if needed. Just cook according to package instructions to ensure perfect texture.
Why is reserved pasta water important in this recipe?
The starchy pasta water helps bind and loosen the sauce, giving it that silky, cohesive texture that clings to the noodles. Adding it gradually allows you to control the consistency perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is a beautiful blend of spicy, creamy, and wholesome goodness that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but special enough to impress family and friends. I promise, once you make it, this will be the kind of comfort food you reach for again and again. So grab those cashews, spice up your kitchen, and dive into this incredible pasta experience—you won’t regret it!
Print
Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delicious dairy-free twist on a classic creamy pasta dish. Featuring tender Cajun-spiced chicken, a smooth and rich cashew cream sauce, and vibrant bell peppers tossed with your favorite pasta, it offers a perfect balance of bold flavors and creamy textures. The recipe is quick to prepare, making it ideal for a flavorful weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta such as penne or fettuccine
Cashew Cream Sauce
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes and drained
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 0.5 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 1.5 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 9-12 minutes. Reserve 0.5 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make Cashew Cream Sauce: In a blender, combine the soaked and drained cashews, unsweetened almond milk (or water), lemon juice, and 0.5 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Combine Sauce and Ingredients: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Pour the cashew cream sauce into the skillet and stir gently to combine with the garlic and bell pepper mixture. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet and toss everything together to evenly coat with the sauce.
- Adjust Consistency and Seasoning: Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce as needed. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste. Stir well to incorporate all flavors.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, flavorful Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta.
Notes
- For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when cooking the chicken or in the sauce.
- This pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
