Savor the bold flavors of Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, a rich, dairy-free dish with spicy chicken and velvety cashew sauce. This Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Dinner is ready in 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights or meal prep. Enjoy this simple recipe for an allergy-friendly pasta that’s creamy and comforting!
Why You’ll Love Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Bold and Creamy: Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta shines in this simple recipe.
- Quick Prep: Ready in 30 minutes for a gluten-free dairy-free dinner.
- One-Pan Ease: Minimal cleanup for this creamy Cajun pasta.
- Allergy-Friendly: Gluten- and dairy-free for this allergy-friendly pasta.
- Meal Prep Star: Reheats well for this gluten-free dairy-free dinner.
Ingredients for Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Here’s what you’ll need for this creamy Cajun pasta (serves 4):
Cajun Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips
- 1 tbsp avocado or olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Pasta:
- 8 oz gluten-free pasta (penne or fusilli)
- Water and salt for boiling
Cashew Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked 30 minutes or overnight)
- ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk or water
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt, to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers
- ½ cup chopped spinach
- ½ cup sliced gluten-free Cajun sausage
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Equipment
- High-speed blender
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Silicone spatula
Ingredient Tips
- Cashews: Soaked for creaminess in this gluten-free dairy-free dinner.
- Pasta: Gluten-free penne for this allergy-friendly pasta.
- Cajun Seasoning: Adjust for spice in this creamy Cajun pasta.
- Nutritional Yeast: Adds cheesy flavor to this simple recipe.
- Veggies: Optional peppers for color in this gluten-free dairy-free dinner.
Directions for Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Let’s create this delicious allergy-friendly pasta!
Prepare Cashew Cream
I drain 1 cup soaked cashews and blend with ¾ cup almond milk, 1 garlic clove, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp nutritional yeast, ½ tsp onion powder, and salt until smooth for this simple recipe.
Cook Pasta
I boil 8 oz gluten-free pasta per package instructions, drain, rinse with warm water, and set aside for this creamy Cajun pasta.
Cook Chicken
In a skillet over medium heat, I heat 1 tbsp oil, season 1 lb chicken with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook 6–8 minutes until done, then remove for this gluten-free dairy-free dinner.
Sauté Veggies (Optional)
In the same skillet, I add oil if needed and sauté 1 cup bell peppers or ½ cup spinach for 2–3 minutes until tender for this allergy-friendly pasta.
Combine
I return chicken to the skillet, add pasta and cashew cream sauce, toss, and heat 2–3 minutes until coated for this Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta.
Garnish and Serve
I garnish with parsley and serve warm for this simple recipe.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~500 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 40g carbs, 30g protein, 20g fat
Variations for Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Try these twists on this gluten-free dairy-free dinner:
- Vegan: Use mushrooms or tofu for this creamy Cajun pasta.
- Nut-Free: Swap cashews for sunflower seeds in this simple recipe.
- Low-Carb: Use zucchini noodles for this allergy-friendly pasta.
- Extra Protein: Add gluten-free sausage for this gluten-free dairy-free dinner.
- Spicy Boost: Increase Cajun seasoning for this creamy Cajun pasta.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with Food and Tips’ cucumber salad for a fresh allergy-friendly pasta.
- Serve with Food and Tips’ roasted squash for a hearty gluten-free dairy-free dinner.
- Enjoy with Food and Tips’ hibiscus tea for a refreshing creamy Cajun pasta.
Storage
I store this creamy Cajun pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days, reheating in a skillet with a splash of almond milk for this simple recipe. Freezing is not recommended.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta in shallow bowls for a gluten-free dairy-free dinner.
- Garnish: Sprinkle extra parsley for this creamy Cajun pasta’s appeal.
- Pairing: Enjoy with Food and Tips’ lemonade for an allergy-friendly pasta.
- Portion Size: 1 cup per person for a satisfying serving.
- Occasions: Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or gatherings.
FAQs About Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Here are answers to common questions about this gluten-free dairy-free dinner:
Can I make the cashew cream ahead?
Yes, store in the fridge for 5 days for this creamy Cajun pasta.
Is it spicy?
Cajun seasoning adds heat; use less for milder allergy-friendly pasta.
Can I use coconut milk?
Yes, but it alters flavor for this simple recipe.
Can I make it vegan?
Skip chicken, use tofu or veggies for this gluten-free dairy-free dinner.
How do I avoid mushy pasta?
Cook al dente and rinse for this creamy Cajun pasta.
More High-Protein Meals You’ll Love
- High Protein Chicken Orzo: A Creamy, Healthy One-Pan Delight
- Protein Bagels
- Easy Baked Salmon Recipe: A Flavorful, Healthy Dinner
Conclusion
Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a bold, creamy dish with spicy chicken and velvety cashew sauce. This simple recipe delivers an allergy-friendly meal perfect for busy nights or meal prep. Enjoy the rich, gluten-free, dairy-free flavors in every comforting bite!
Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
For the Cajun Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips
- 1 tbsp avocado or olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz gluten-free pasta penne or fusilli
- Water and salt for boiling
For the Cashew Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup raw cashews soaked 30 minutes or overnight
- ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk or water
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers
- ½ cup chopped spinach
- ½ cup sliced gluten-free Cajun sausage
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prepare Cashew Cream
- I drain 1 cup soaked cashews and blend with ¾ cup almond milk, 1 garlic clove, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp nutritional yeast, ½ tsp onion powder, and salt until smooth for this simple recipe.
Cook Pasta
- I boil 8 oz gluten-free pasta per package instructions, drain, rinse with warm water, and set aside for this creamy Cajun pasta.
Cook Chicken
- In a skillet over medium heat, I heat 1 tbsp oil, season 1 lb chicken with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook 6–8 minutes until done, then remove for this gluten-free dairy-free dinner.
Sauté Veggies (Optional)
- In the same skillet, I add oil if needed and sauté 1 cup bell peppers or ½ cup spinach for 2–3 minutes until tender for this allergy-friendly pasta.
Combine
- I return chicken to the skillet, add pasta and cashew cream sauce, toss, and heat 2–3 minutes until coated for this Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta.
Garnish and Serve
- I garnish with parsley and serve warm for this simple recipe.
Notes
- Soak cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes for smoothest texture.
- Use a high-speed blender for the creamiest sauce consistency.
- Adjust the sauce thickness by adding more almond milk if needed.
- Reheat with a splash of almond milk to refresh creaminess.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh; cashew cream may not freeze well.
Did you Like This Recipe? Please Rate and Comment Below!
