Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free!

Dairy free and gluten free, this Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free! is a delightful take on a classic comfort dish. With its creamy texture and zesty Cajun flavors, it’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe offers a wholesome meal that everyone can enjoy, whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner or a dish to impress guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy Texture: The cashew cream creates a rich and satisfying sauce that mimics traditional cream without dairy.
• Zesty Flavor: Packed with Cajun spices, this dish brings bold flavors to your table that will excite your taste buds.
• Quick and Easy: With a total prep and cook time of just 35 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap the chicken for turkey or add more veggies based on what you have at home.
• Nutritious Meal: High in protein and fiber, this pasta dish is both filling and nourishing.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the essential tools before you start. Having everything ready will help streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Blender
• Heatproof bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Perfect for boiling pasta efficiently while allowing ample space to prevent sticking.
• Skillet: Ideal for sautéing vegetables and cooking chicken evenly, achieving great flavor.
• Blender: Ensures a smooth and creamy cashew sauce that blends all ingredients seamlessly.
• Heatproof bowl: Necessary for soaking cashews safely without damaging them.

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

For Seasoning

• 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)

Alternative Seasoning Option

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

Garnish

• Parsley (to garnish – optional)

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

Step 1: Soak the Cashews

Cover the raw cashews with just boiled water in a heatproof bowl. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes up to an hour. If pressed for time, simmer them on the stovetop for about 10 minutes until they are pale and plump.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Start a large pot of lightly salted water to boil for the gluten-free pasta. Cook according to package instructions. Reserve about 3/4 cup of cooking water before draining the pasta.

Step 3: Prepare the Spice Mix

In a small bowl, mix together all dried spices—onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, thyme—and cayenne if using. Set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add chicken pieces and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of the Cajun seasoning mix. Cook until browned and cooked through on both sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 5: Sauté Vegetables

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet along with diced onion, bell peppers, and chopped garlic. Sauté until tender—about 3-4 minutes. If needed, add water to deglaze any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Step 6: Add Tomato Paste and Spices

Stir in tomato paste and remaining Cajun seasoning. Cook for another minute until aromatic. Remove from heat while preparing cashew sauce.

Step 7: Blend Cashew Sauce

Drain soaked cashews and combine them in a blender with broth, nutritional yeast, salt, and black pepper. Blend on high until smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Combine Everything

Return skillet to low heat. Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet along with cashew cream sauce. Stir well to combine everything while scraping any brown bits off the bottom. Simmer gently until everything is heated through.

Step 9: Adjust Consistency

As it simmers, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached. More liquid will create a creamier sauce.

Final Touches

Season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve topped with fresh parsley if desired!

Enjoy your homemade Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free!, perfect for any night of the week!

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

Serving your Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta can elevate the dining experience and make it even more delightful. Here are some suggestions to enhance your meal.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness, balancing the rich flavors of the dish.

Pair with a Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette complements the spicy flavors of the pasta.

Offer Extra Spice

• Hot Sauce: Provide a variety of hot sauces on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick.

Serve with Bread

• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover cashew cream sauce.

Add a Protein Boost

• Grilled Chicken or Turkey: For added protein, serve grilled chicken or turkey slices on top.

Include a Refreshing Drink

• Iced Herbal Tea: A refreshing iced herbal tea pairs well, helping to cleanse the palate between bites.

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

Creating the perfect Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta is all about balance and technique. Here are some tips to ensure your dish comes out just right.

• Blend Thoroughly: Make sure to blend the cashews long enough for a smooth texture; this makes the sauce creamy.
• Adjust Consistency: Use reserved pasta water gradually to achieve your desired sauce consistency; don’t add too much at once.
• Taste As You Go: Season throughout cooking; this ensures that each component is flavorful.
• Cook Veggies Just Right: Sauté veggies until tender but still crisp for added texture in your dish.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust spice levels according to preference; add more cayenne for heat or reduce it for milder flavors.
• Let It Simmer: Allow the combined pasta and sauce to simmer briefly so flavors meld perfectly before serving.

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

Complementing your Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options.

1. Crispy Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts bring out natural sweetness and crunch.
2. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumber and lemon dressing adds freshness and protein.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a crunchy contrast that balances the creamy pasta.
4. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus drizzled with olive oil is simple yet elegant alongside your main dish.
5. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a hearty side that pairs beautifully with the spices in the pasta.
6. Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, serve thin zucchini noodles tossed in olive oil and garlic as a refreshing side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the cashew soaking – Failing to soak the cashews can lead to a gritty cream sauce. Always soak them for at least 30 minutes for a smooth texture.
• Overcooking the pasta – Cooking pasta too long makes it mushy. Follow package instructions and taste test a minute before the recommended time.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments – Not tasting and adjusting salt and pepper can result in bland pasta. Season gradually to achieve your desired flavor.
• Using cold broth or water – Adding cold liquid to your dish can cool down the cooking process. Always use warm broth or reserved pasta water when combining with hot ingredients.
• Rushing the sautéing process – Sautéing veggies too quickly can result in uneven cooking. Allow them time to soften and develop flavor by cooking on medium heat.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free!

• Use freezer-safe containers for storage.
• Best consumed within 1 month for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free!

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until warmed throughout. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
• Stovetop – Place in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth as needed to loosen the sauce while stirring until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free that may help you while preparing this dish.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, you can easily make it vegan by omitting chicken or substituting with plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas.

What gluten-free pasta works best?

You can use any gluten-free pasta you prefer, such as brown rice, quinoa, or lentil-based pasta for a nutritious option.

How do I adjust spice levels?

To make it milder, reduce or omit cayenne pepper and use less Cajun seasoning. For extra heat, add more cayenne or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the cashew cream sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Simply combine everything just before serving.

What side dishes pair well with Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free?

A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables complement this dish nicely and add more nutrients!

Final Thoughts

Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free is a delightful comfort food that brings warmth and zest to your dinner table. It’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it suitable for any weeknight meal. Give it a try and enjoy a creamy yet dairy-free experience!