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
Scale
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.
