Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free!
Indulge in a creamy, zesty delight with our Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free! This dish reimagines a comfort food classic, offering a wholesome and satisfying meal that everyone can enjoy. With a rich cashew cream sauce infused with Cajun spices, this pasta not only tantalizes the taste buds but also fits seamlessly into a busy weeknight dinner. In just 35 minutes, you can serve up a bowl of goodness that’s both nutritious and delicious, making it perfect for families or gatherings. Customize the spice level to your preference and feel free to swap chicken for turkey if desired. Dive into this comforting dish that promises to be a hit at your dinner table!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
- 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
- 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)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (alternative option)
- Parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Soak cashews in boiling water for 30 minutes to soften.
- Cook gluten-free pasta according to package instructions; reserve some cooking water before draining.
- Combine dried spices in a small bowl.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden brown; set aside.
- Sauté onion, bell peppers, and garlic in the same skillet until tender.
- Stir in tomato paste and spice mix; cook briefly.
- Blend soaked cashews with broth, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Return skillet to low heat; add pasta, chicken, and cashew cream sauce. Mix thoroughly and adjust consistency with reserved pasta water.
- Season to taste and serve garnished with parsley if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg