Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free!
Introduction
Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect solution for anyone craving a creamy, flavor-packed pasta but needing to skip the dairy. This recipe delivers all the decadence of classic Cajun chicken pasta with a luscious cashew-based sauce—so satisfying, you’ll never miss the cream. The warmth of Cajun spices and velvety sauce create a crave-worthy dinner, perfect for impressing guests or upgrading weeknight meals.
A Flavorful Twist on Classic Cajun Chicken Pasta
What sets this dish apart is the homemade cashew cream sauce, which mimics the richness of dairy without any heaviness. Roasted chicken and sautéed peppers are generously coated in a silky, slightly spicy sauce with bold Cajun flair. The result is a restaurant-quality meal that fits a dairy-free lifestyle and offers customizable spice levels for the whole family.
Making the Ultimate Cashew Cream Sauce
The foundation of this dairy-free recipe is the cashew cream. Soaking cashews and blending them with water creates a neutral, creamy base that you can infuse with garlic and Cajun seasoning for maximum flavor. To achieve a perfectly smooth consistency, a high-powered blender is key. The Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender, Black will make your sauce extra silky.
If time is tight, use hot water to soak your cashews for 20 minutes instead of the standard hour—just as creamy in a fraction of the time.
Prepping Your Veggies (the Easy Way)
An abundance of colorful bell peppers and onions is a must for this lively dish. To save time on chopping, use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper. Quick, safe, and efficient, this tool gives you perfectly diced ingredients for an even cook and beautiful presentation.
Sautéing and Combining for Perfect Pasta
Use a large, nonstick pan—like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch—to sauté the chicken until golden and juicy, and then briefly cook your veggies until they’re just tender. Once pasta, veggies, and chicken are combined, pour over the dreamy cashew cream sauce and toss until everything’s coated and fragrant.
Serving, Storing, and Dairy-Free Enjoyment
Once your Cajun chicken pasta is ready, dish it up immediately for the freshest flavor. If meal prepping, pack portions in airtight containers like Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup). This keeps your pasta as creamy and zesty as when first made and makes it easy to grab-and-go.
This pasta is delicious alone or with a crisp green salad to balance the warmth of the Cajun spices.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields about four hearty servings. Each serving averages approximately 500–550 calories, with healthy fats from cashews, lean protein from chicken, and loads of veggie goodness. It’s a complete, crowd-pleasing meal that leaves everyone satisfied.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, soak your cashews in hot water for at least 20 minutes, then drain (or soak in cold water for 1 hour beforehand).
- In your Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender, Black, blend soaked cashews, 1 cup water, garlic, nutritional yeast, ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning, and a pinch of salt until completely smooth. Set aside.
- Season chicken pieces with 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning and a little salt.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and golden. Remove from pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add remaining olive oil. Sauté bell peppers and onion (use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for fast prep!) over medium heat for about 4–5 minutes until just tender. Season with additional Cajun seasoning if you like more spice.
- Decrease heat to medium-low. Return chicken to pan and add cooked pasta. Pour in cashew cream sauce and toss to coat. Add pasta water, a splash at a time, until reaching your desired sauce consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve garnished with chopped parsley or green onions, and store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for easy meal prep.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free! (Recap)
This Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta is creamy, bold, and entirely dairy-free. With the magic of cashews and a punchy dose of Cajun seasoning, it’s the ultimate comfort food for anyone avoiding dairy—or simply seeking a new pasta night champion. Dare to serve this at your next gathering, and watch it become a fan favorite!