Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free!

Name: Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 3/4 cup raw cashews; 1 1/2 cups broth (chicken or vegetable); 12 ounces gluten-free pasta; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts; 3 tablespoons olive oil; Assorted bell peppers and onions; Cajun seasoning

Recipe By:

Juliette

Posted:

July 27, 2025

Updated:

July 27, 2025

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Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta - Dairy Free!

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Dairy free and gluten free, Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delightful twist on a comfort food classic. This creamy dish is not only rich in flavor but also lightened up for a wholesome meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, it’s versatile enough to impress family and friends while accommodating various dietary needs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy – This recipe can be prepared in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Flavor Packed – The zesty Cajun spices combined with creamy cashew sauce create a deliciously unique flavor profile.
Versatile Options – You can easily customize this dish to suit dietary preferences, including vegan options.
Wholesome Ingredients – Made with nutritious ingredients like cashews, bell peppers, and chicken, it’s a comforting yet healthy choice.
Family Friendly – This pasta dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike with its creamy texture and bold taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Skillet
Heatproof bowl
Blender or food processor
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot – Essential for boiling gluten free pasta perfectly without sticking.
Skillet – Ideal for sautéing vegetables and cooking chicken, ensuring even heat distribution.
Blender or food processor – Necessary for creating the smooth cashew cream that adds richness to the dish.

Ingredients

For the Cashew Cream Sauce

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

For the Pasta

12 ounces gluten free pasta

For the Chicken and Veggies

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
1/2 a large red pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 a large yellow or orange pepper, thinly sliced
3 cloves of garlic, chopped

For Seasoning

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)
OR
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning instead of onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, and thyme

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free!

Step 1: Soak the Cashews

Start by covering raw cashews with just boiled water in a heatproof bowl. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes or up to an hour. If you’re short on time, simmer them on the stovetop for about 10 minutes until they become pale and plump.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Cook the gluten free pasta according to package instructions. Remember to reserve about 3/4 cup of cooking water before draining the pasta. Set it aside after draining.

Step 3: Prepare Seasoning Mix

In a small bowl, combine all dried spices: onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, thyme, and cayenne (if using). Mix well until evenly blended.

Step 4: Cook Chicken Pieces

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in your skillet. Once hot, add chicken pieces seasoned with 1 teaspoon of the Cajun spice mix. Cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 5: Sauté Vegetables

Add another tablespoon of olive oil in the same skillet. Sauté diced onion, bell peppers, and chopped garlic for about 3-4 minutes until tender. If necessary, add a tablespoon or two of water to deglaze any brown bits from the bottom.

Step 6: Incorporate Tomato Paste

Mix in tomato paste along with remaining Cajun seasoning in the skillet. Cook for an additional minute while stirring frequently until aromatic.

Step 7: Blend Cashew Cream

Drain soaked cashews and place them in a blender with broth, nutritional yeast, salt, and black pepper. Blend on high until you achieve a smooth cream consistency.

Step 8: Combine Everything

Return your skillet to medium-low heat. Add cooked pasta along with chicken pieces and cashew cream sauce. Stir well while scraping any browned bits from the pan’s bottom. Allow it all to simmer gently for about one to two minutes until everything is coated nicely with sauce.

Step 9: Adjust Consistency

If needed, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired creaminess is reached. More liquid will yield a softer sauce.

Step 10: Final Touches

Season your dish with salt and pepper according to taste before serving. Top with fresh parsley if desired!

How to Serve Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free!

Serving Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta is all about enhancing its creamy texture and bold flavors. Whether you’re having a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal experience.

Pair with Fresh Salad

Garden Salad: A light garden salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes complements the rich sauce.
Cajun Coleslaw: A zesty coleslaw can add crunch and balance the creaminess of the pasta.

Add a Protein Boost

Grilled Shrimp: Toss in some grilled shrimp for an added layer of flavor and protein.
Tofu Slices: For a vegan option, crispy tofu slices work well for added texture.

Garnish Creatively

Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle fresh green onions on top for a burst of color and mild onion flavor.
Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges to squeeze over the pasta for a citrusy kick.

Provide Extra Sauces

Hot Sauce: Offer hot sauce on the side for those who like an extra kick.
Vegan Parmesan: A sprinkle of vegan parmesan cheese adds an umami flavor that enhances the dish.

How to Perfect Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free!

Achieving the perfect Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta involves attention to detail during preparation. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time.

Soak Cashews Properly: Make sure to soak the cashews long enough for a smooth cream. This step is crucial for achieving that creamy texture.
Season Generously: Don’t hesitate to adjust seasoning levels according to your taste. The Cajun spices truly bring this dish to life.
Reserve Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta cooking water. It helps adjust the sauce’s consistency perfectly without losing flavor.
Cook Chicken Thoroughly: Ensure the chicken is cooked through but not overdone. Juicy chicken pieces enhance overall taste.
Simmer Gently: Allowing the sauce to simmer gently helps meld the flavors beautifully without burning anything at the bottom of the pan.
Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor variety.

Best Side Dishes for Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free!

When planning your meal, consider pairing Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta with delicious side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some excellent options:

Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread served warm is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring out natural sweetness and add color to your plate.
Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with herbs can provide a light contrast to the creamy pasta.
Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds elegance and pairs wonderfully with all pasta dishes.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn offers a fun, summery vibe that balances well with Cajun spices.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with grains or beans make a hearty and visually appealing side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free!, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Overcooking the pasta – Cooking the pasta for too long can make it mushy. Follow the package instructions closely and taste test a minute or two before the suggested time.
Skipping the cashew soaking – Not soaking the cashews long enough can result in a grainy sauce. Aim for at least 30 minutes of soak time, or simmer them for 10 minutes if you’re short on time.
Using too much salt – Adding excessive salt during cooking can overwhelm the dish. Start with less and adjust according to your taste before serving.
Not reserving pasta water – Forgetting to save some cooking water means missing out on creating a creamy sauce. Always reserve some before draining the pasta.
Ignoring spice measurements – Going overboard with spices can overpower the dish. Use measuring spoons for accuracy, especially with bold flavors like Cajun seasoning.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Let the pasta cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free!

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Leave some space in the container as the sauce may expand when frozen.

Reheating Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free!

Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm, stirring in between.
Stovetop – Warm over medium heat in a skillet, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta vegan?

Yes! You can easily make this recipe vegan by omitting the chicken or substituting it with plant-based protein.

How do I store leftovers of Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for longer storage.

What is a good substitute for cashews in this recipe?

Sunflower seeds or silken tofu can be used as alternatives if you have nut allergies or prefer different ingredients.

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.

How spicy is this Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta?

The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. Use less cayenne or opt for mild Cajun seasoning if you prefer it less spicy.

Final Thoughts

This Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free! is not only comforting but also versatile. With creamy cashew sauce combined with zesty spices, it’s perfect for any night of the week. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spice levels. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!