Go Back
+ servings
Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta

Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta

Delicious Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta made with gluten-free pasta and rich cashew cream.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Soaking Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course main dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • blender
  • Heatproof Bowl

Ingredients
  

Nuts and Pasta

  • ¾ cup raw cashews
  • 12 ounces gluten free pasta

Chicken and Vegetables

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite sized pieces
  • ½ small yellow onion finely diced
  • ½ large red pepper thinly sliced
  • ½ large yellow or orange pepper thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic chopped

Spices and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • cayenne Pinch or two (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning instead of onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, and thyme

Other Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups broth chicken or vegetable broth both work well
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper plus more to taste
  • Parsley to garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • In a heat proof bowl, cover raw cashews with just boiled water for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. Alternatively, simmer the cashews on the stove top for about 10 minutes until pale and plump.
  • Start a large pot of lightly salted water to boil for the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Reserve about ¾ cup cooking water. Drain and set aside.
  • In a small bowl mix together all the dried spices until well combined.

Cooking

  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium high heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken breast pieces and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of the Cajun seasoning. Cook until cooked through. Remove to a plate and set aside.
  • Add the additional tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet with the diced onion, bell peppers, and chopped garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender. If the bottom of the skillet gets too dark, add a tablespoon or two of water.
  • Add the tomato paste and remaining Cajun seasoning. Cook for another minute, stirring frequently, until spices are aromatic and tomato paste has darkened slightly.
  • Drain soaked cashews and add to the blender with broth, nutritional yeast, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Blend on high for at least a minute until super smooth and creamy.

Notes

For a deeper flavor, allow cashews to soak longer. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 10mg
Keyword Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cashew Cream, chicken, creamy pasta, gluten-free, Pasta
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!