Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free!

Dairy free and gluten free, this Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delightful twist on a comfort food classic! With its creamy texture and zesty Cajun flavors, it’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. This dish offers a wholesome, lightened-up experience that the whole family will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and Comforting: The cashew cream provides a rich and luscious texture without dairy, making it a comforting meal.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Flavor-Packed: Infused with Cajun spices, every bite bursts with bold flavors that excite your palate.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or swap in different vegetables to suit your taste preferences.
• Diet-Friendly: This dish caters to various dietary needs being both gluten-free and dairy-free, with a vegan option available.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into cooking this delicious pasta, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Blender
• Heatproof bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Blender: Essential for creating the smooth cashew cream sauce that makes this dish creamy without dairy.
• Skillet: Perfect for sautéing the chicken and vegetables, ensuring even cooking and flavor integration.

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 Dish

• 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 a large red pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 a large yellow or orange pepper, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

For the Spices

• 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 placing raw cashews in a heatproof bowl. Cover them with just boiled water. Allow them to 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 are pale and plump.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of lightly salted water. Cook the gluten-free pasta according to package instructions. Reserve about 3/4 cup of cooking water before draining the pasta. Set it aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Spice Mix

In a small bowl, mix all the dried spices together—onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, thyme—and cayenne if using. Stir until well combined.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chicken breast pieces and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of the spice mix. Cook until browned on both sides and fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 5: Sauté Vegetables

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil along with diced onion, bell peppers, and chopped garlic. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until tender. If browning occurs at the bottom of the skillet too quickly, add a splash of water to deglaze.

Step 6: Add Tomato Paste

Stir in the tomato paste along with any remaining spice mix. Cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat while preparing the sauce.

Step 7: Blend Cashew Cream Sauce

Drain soaked cashews and place them in a blender along with broth, nutritional yeast, salt (1 ½ teaspoons), and black pepper (½ teaspoon). Blend on high for at least one minute until completely smooth.

Step 8: Combine Everything

Return the skillet to medium-low heat. Add cooked pasta and chicken back into skillet along with cashew cream sauce. Stir well to combine everything while scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Bring it all to a gentle simmer for about one or two minutes until coated nicely with sauce.

Step 9: Adjust Consistency

As it simmers, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired sauce consistency. More liquid will make it creamier; adjust as needed.

Step 10: Final Seasoning

Taste your dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving!

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

Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a cozy night in, there are plenty of options to elevate this delightful meal.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad – A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette complements the creamy pasta nicely.
• Caesar Salad – For a classic touch, serve with a dairy-free Caesar salad that adds crunch and flavor.

Add Garlic Bread

• Toasted Baguette – Serve with slices of toasted baguette brushed with olive oil and garlic for a perfect side.
• Dairy-Free Garlic Bread – Use dairy-free butter to make garlic bread that pairs perfectly with the pasta.

Garnish Creatively

• Fresh Parsley – Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for color and freshness.
• Lemon Zest – Add lemon zest just before serving to enhance the dish’s flavors.

Serve with Wine

• White Wine – A chilled glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, enhances the zesty flavors of the pasta.
• Sparkling Water – For a non-alcoholic option, serve sparkling water with lemon slices to refresh the palate.

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

Perfecting your Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta takes just a few tips. Here are some suggestions to enhance your cooking experience.

• Blend Cashews Thoroughly – Ensure cashews are blended until super smooth for the creamiest sauce.
• Adjust Spice Levels – Feel free to modify the cayenne or Cajun seasoning based on heat preferences.
• Use Quality Broth – Opt for high-quality chicken or vegetable broth for richer flavor in your sauce.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente – Prepare the pasta al dente to maintain its texture when combined with the sauce.
• Reserve Pasta Water – Always save some pasta water; it helps adjust sauce consistency without losing flavor.
• Experiment with Veggies – You can add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for more nutrients and taste.

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

To create a well-rounded meal, consider adding side dishes that complement your Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta. Here are some excellent options:

1. Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition while balancing the richness of the pasta.
2. Roasted Asparagus – Toss asparagus in olive oil and roast until tender; it’s a simple yet elegant side.
3. Quinoa Salad – A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumber and herbs offers a nice contrast in texture and flavor.
4. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn pairs beautifully with Cajun flavors; grill or boil it for an easy side.
5. Coleslaw – A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing bite that contrasts nicely with creamy pasta.
6. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – For potato lovers, creamy garlic mashed potatoes work harmoniously alongside this dish.

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 and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the cashew soaking: If you don’t soak the cashews long enough, the cream will not blend smoothly. Aim for at least 30 minutes in hot water or simmering for 10 minutes.

• Not reserving pasta water: Forgetting to save some pasta cooking water can lead to a sauce that is too thick. Always set aside about 3/4 cup before draining the pasta.

• Overcooking chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it tough. Cook until just done, then remove it from heat while you prepare the vegetables and sauce.

• Ignoring spice balance: Relying solely on store-bought Cajun seasoning without tasting can lead to an unbalanced flavor. Adjust spices to your personal taste for a more satisfying dish.

• Using low-quality broth: A bland broth can dull the overall flavor of your dish. Choose a high-quality chicken or vegetable broth to enhance the taste of your sauce.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the pasta to cool completely before sealing for best results.

Freezing Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free!

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Portion into individual servings for easier reheating later.

Reheating Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free!

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover, and bake until heated through (about 15-20 minutes).
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth. Stir frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free vegan?

Yes! Simply substitute the chicken with your favorite plant-based protein or vegetables for a vegan version.

How do I ensure my cashew cream is smooth?

Soaking the cashews thoroughly and blending them well will give you a creamy consistency. Use high-speed blending if possible.

What can I use instead of gluten-free pasta?

You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as whole wheat or regular pasta, but be sure it aligns with your dietary needs.

How spicy is this recipe?

The level of spiciness depends on the amount of cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning used. Adjust according to your preference!

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like such as spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different proteins or vegetables based on your preferences. It’s a comforting dish perfect for any weeknight dinner that everyone will love! Give it a try and enjoy the wholesome flavors!