Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta
Creamy, spicy, and gluten-free, this cashew cream Cajun chicken pasta is a wholesome, dairy-free comfort meal ready in 35 minutes.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup raw cashews
- 12 oz gluten-free pasta
- 3 tbsp olive oil divided
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ small yellow onion finely diced
- ½ large red bell pepper thinly sliced
- ½ large yellow or orange bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- Pinch or two of cayenne optional
- Or 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning in place of the above spices
- 1½ cups broth chicken or vegetable
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1½ tsp salt plus more to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper plus more to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Soak the Cashews
- Place raw cashews in a heat‑proof bowl and cover with just-boiled water. Let soak at least 30 minutes or up to an hour.
- (If in a hurry, simmer cashews on the stovetop ~10 minutes until plump.)
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta per package instructions.
- Reserve about ¾ cup pasta cooking water before draining.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Spices
- In a small bowl, combine onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne (if using).
- If using Cajun seasoning instead, you can skip this step and just use the Cajun seasoning.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet.
- Add chicken pieces and sprinkle with 1 tsp of the spice mix (or Cajun seasoning).
- Cook, turning, until the chicken is cooked through. Remove to a plate and set aside.
Step 5: Sauté the Vegetables
- Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet.
- Add onion, bell peppers, and garlic, and sauté 3–4 minutes until tender.
- If the pan starts browning too much, add a splash of water and reduce heat.
Step 6: Add Tomato Paste & Spices
- Stir in tomato paste and the rest of the spice mix (or Cajun seasoning).
- Cook ~1 minute until fragrant and paste darkens slightly.
Step 7: Blend the Cashew Cream
- Drain the soaked cashews and add to a blender with broth, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until very smooth and creamy (about 1 minute or more).
Step 8: Combine Everything
- Return the skillet to medium-low heat.
- Add cooked pasta, seared chicken, and the cashew cream sauce.
- Stir to combine, scraping up any flavorful bits from the pan.
- Let simmer a minute or two until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
- Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your preferred consistency.
- Taste and adjust salt/pepper as needed.
Step 9: Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired
- Serve immediately while hot