Description
This Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken strips seasoned with Cajun spices, tossed with al dente pasta, and enveloped in a rich, dairy-free cashew cream sauce. Perfect for those seeking a delicious dairy-free twist on classic creamy Cajun pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
Cashew Cream Sauce
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes and drained
- ¾ cup water or unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast or grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions
Chicken & Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced into strips
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables & Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside for later use.
- Make Cashew Cream: While pasta cooks, blend the soaked cashews with water or unsweetened almond milk until completely smooth and creamy. Set aside the cashew cream.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add to the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and sliced red bell pepper for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine Sauce: Stir in the prepared cashew cream, nutritional yeast or Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Mix well and simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Finish Dish: Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything thoroughly to coat evenly and heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions before serving.
Notes
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken for extra heat.
- For a seafood variation, substitute shrimp for the chicken.
- Use mushrooms instead of chicken to make it vegetarian.
