Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (Dairy-Free Comfort Food Recipe)

BY Ethan Cooper November 9, 2025

Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta in a bowl topped with parsley

I first created this Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta on a rainy Sunday when I was craving something rich and comforting but without the heaviness of dairy. Growing up, Cajun pasta was a family favorite at our weekend dinners, always bubbling with smoky spices and tender chicken. When I started experimenting with cleaner, dairy-free cooking, I wanted to recreate that same indulgent texture and that’s how this version was born. After testing it several times, I found that blending soaked cashews into a silky sauce gives the pasta the same luscious creaminess as traditional cream-based versions.

This wholesome pasta dish strikes the perfect balance between cozy comfort and feel-good nourishment. It’s bursting with Cajun spices, vibrant bell peppers, and juicy chicken all coated in a creamy cashew sauce that’s completely dairy-free and gluten-free. Even the most devoted cheese lovers at your table won’t believe this meal skips the cream entirely.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or meal prepping for a busy week ahead, this recipe delivers restaurant-worthy flavor with simple, wholesome ingredients. It’s a true one-pan wonder flavorful, filling, and incredibly satisfying.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta isn’t just another weeknight meal it’s a flavor-packed experience that delivers comfort and balance in every bite. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your regular rotation:

Ultra Creamy (Without Dairy): Soaked cashews blend into a velvety sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta no cream, no cheese, just smooth richness.
Packed with Cajun Flavor: Smoked paprika, garlic, and a hint of cayenne create that signature Southern kick without overpowering the dish.
Nutritious & Satisfying: Lean chicken and cashews add protein and healthy fats, while colorful peppers boost vitamins and texture.
Customizable: Easily make it vegan by skipping the chicken or swap in shrimp for a Cajun seafood twist.
Quick & Weeknight-Friendly: From prep to plate in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free: Perfect for anyone looking for a lighter, allergy-friendly pasta dish that doesn’t skimp on comfort.

If you love cozy comfort dishes with a bold kick, you’ll also enjoy our Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe another creamy, crowd-pleasing favorite that’s perfect for game nights or gatherings.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Every element in this Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta plays a role in creating that irresistible balance of creaminess, spice, and comfort. Below are the essential ingredients and easy substitutions so you can tailor it to your taste or dietary needs.

Cashew Cream Sauce

Raw Cashews: These are the heart of the creamy sauce. Once soaked and blended with broth, they create a smooth, dairy-free alternative to heavy cream. If you’re nut-free, try using silken tofu or sunflower seed cream instead.
Broth: Chicken broth adds depth, while vegetable broth keeps it vegan-friendly.
Nutritional Yeast: This pantry staple adds a subtle “cheesy” flavor you’ll never miss the dairy.
Tomato Paste: A small spoonful adds color and a rich umami base that complements Cajun spices perfectly.

Ingredients for Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta on a light background

Chicken and Veggies

Chicken Breast: Lean, tender, and quick to cook. Swap with chicken thighs for extra juiciness, or omit completely for a vegan Cajun pasta.
Onion, Garlic & Bell Peppers: The Cajun “holy trinity” that builds the aromatic flavor foundation. Use any color peppers you love red, orange, or yellow for sweetness, or green for a more traditional edge.
Extra Veggie Options: Spinach, zucchini, broccoli, or asparagus all work beautifully. Add them near the end so they stay vibrant and crisp.

Pasta Choices

Gluten-Free Pasta: Brown rice or quinoa pasta works best for this recipe. Penne, rotini, or fusilli hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly.
Regular Pasta: If you’re not avoiding gluten, standard semolina pasta delivers that classic Italian texture.

Cajun Spice Blend

A good Cajun blend is smoky, garlicky, and slightly peppery. You can use a store-bought mix or make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and a touch of cayenne. Adjust the heat level to your comfort just enough for warmth without overpowering the cashew cream’s mild richness.

For a Southern-inspired side dish to complement this meal, try our Black-Eyed Peas Recipe. It pairs perfectly with the bold Cajun seasoning and adds a hearty touch to your dinner table.

How to Make Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Once your cashews are soaked and ingredients are prepped, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes the perfect blend of convenience and flavor. Here’s how to make it from start to finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Soak the Cashews:
Place raw cashews in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes (or simmer on the stove for 10 minutes if you’re short on time). This softens them for a perfectly smooth sauce.
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your gluten-free or regular pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve about ¾ cup of the pasta water before draining you’ll use it later to adjust the sauce’s consistency.

Step-by-step making of Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Season and Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Sauté until golden and cooked through, then remove and set aside.
Sauté the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil along with the chopped onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and fragrant.
Add Tomato Paste and Spices:
Stir in the tomato paste and remaining Cajun seasoning. Let it cook for about a minute, allowing the flavors to bloom and the paste to deepen in color.
Blend the Cashew Cream Sauce:
Drain your soaked cashews and add them to a blender with broth, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Blend on high for a full minute until silky smooth. There should be no visible cashew pieces.

Combine Everything:
Return the skillet to medium-low heat. Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and the cashew cream sauce. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. If the sauce feels too thick, thin it out with a bit of the reserved pasta water, adding a few tablespoons at a time.
Taste and Adjust:
Simmer for 1–2 minutes, letting the sauce coat every strand of pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, or a pinch more cayenne for spice.
Serve and Garnish:
Top with freshly chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon if desired, and serve warm.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Creamy Texture

Blend Longer Than You Think: For an ultra-smooth cashew sauce, blend at least 60 seconds on high. A high-speed blender like Vitamix or Ninja makes a noticeable difference.
Balance the Heat: If your Cajun seasoning is mild, add a pinch of cayenne; if it’s strong, offset the spice with extra nutritional yeast or a splash of broth.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: It will continue to cook slightly in the sauce. Keeping it al dente ensures the texture stays firm and satisfying.
Use Reserved Pasta Water Wisely: This starchy water helps the sauce emulsify and cling to the noodles like a restaurant-quality dish.

Adjusting the Spice Level

The beauty of Cajun cooking is that it’s flexible you can control the heat entirely:

Mild: Skip the cayenne and use a sweet paprika base.
Medium: Use 1–2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning as written.
Spicy: Add extra cayenne or even a few drops of hot sauce to the sauce before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Once your Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is ready, it’s time to turn this comforting skillet meal into a restaurant-quality dinner at home. The creamy sauce and Cajun flavors pair beautifully with fresh, crisp sides and warm textures that round out the dish.

What to Serve With It

Fresh Green Salad: A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the rich, creamy sauce.
Garlic Bread or Toasted Baguette: Perfect for mopping up every bit of the cashew cream sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini make colorful, fiber-rich additions.
Southern-Inspired Sides: Serve alongside our Black-Eyed Peas Recipe for a Cajun-style comfort meal.

Plating Tips

Serve the pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce.
Top with a sprinkle of parsley, red chili flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil for color contrast.
A few extra bell pepper strips or a dusting of Cajun seasoning on top adds a professional touch.

Make It a Full Dinner

If you’re planning a family-style meal or hosting guests, pair this pasta with something hearty and balanced, like our Burger Bowls. The two dishes complement each other beautifully one smoky and creamy, the other fresh and protein-packed.

Storage, Reheating, and Meal Prep

One of the best parts about this Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is how well it keeps. Whether you’re prepping meals ahead of time or storing leftovers from a cozy dinner, here’s how to maintain that silky, just-cooked texture.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerator: Store the pasta in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days. The cashew sauce may thicken slightly as it chills that’s completely normal.
Freezer: While freezing isn’t ideal for this dish (the sauce can separate upon thawing), you can freeze portions if needed. Just reblend the sauce with a splash of broth after thawing to restore its creaminess.

Reheating Tips

After testing several batches, here’s what works best for keeping your pasta creamy and flavorful:

Skillet Method (Best): Warm over low heat, adding 2–3 tablespoons of broth or water at a time while stirring. This brings the sauce back to life without drying the pasta.
Microwave Method: Reheat in short intervals (30–45 seconds), stirring between each burst. Add a splash of nut milk or broth for moisture.
Avoid Overheating: Too much heat can cause the cashew cream to thicken too much or lose its silky texture. Gentle reheating is key.

Make-Ahead Tips

Prep in Stages: You can soak and blend your cashews up to 3 days ahead and store the sauce in the fridge until ready to use.
Batch Cook Chicken: Cook the chicken separately and refrigerate or freeze in portions for quick assembly later.
Meal Prep Bowls: Divide the finished pasta into single servings for easy grab-and-go lunches.

With the right reheating method, this dairy-free Cajun chicken pasta tastes just as delicious on day four as it does fresh from the pan.

More Comforting Dinner Recipes

If you loved the bold, creamy flavors of this Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, you’ll definitely enjoy exploring a few more of my favorite cozy dinner recipes. Each one brings its own twist on comfort food hearty, flavorful, and perfect for sharing around the table.

Prime Rib Roast Oven: A juicy, perfectly roasted prime rib that turns any dinner into a celebration. Great for holidays or weekend feasts.
Burger Bowls: A fresh, protein-packed option that delivers all the flavors of a burger without the bun light yet satisfying.
Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe: Creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy a crowd favorite for game nights and gatherings.
Black-Eyed Peas Recipe: A Southern classic packed with fiber and earthy flavor perfect as a side to any Cajun or Creole-inspired meal.

Each of these dishes complements the cozy, flavorful theme of this Cajun pasta, giving you plenty of variety for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

FAQs About Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

1. Can I make Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta without chicken?

Absolutely. For a plant-based version, skip the chicken and double up on veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli. You can also add tofu or chickpeas for extra protein the creamy cashew sauce pairs beautifully with them.

2. Can I use coconut milk instead of cashew cream?

Yes, but the flavor will change slightly. Coconut milk creates a sweeter, tropical note, while cashew cream has a more neutral taste that lets the Cajun spices shine. If you substitute, use ¾ cup of full-fat coconut milk and reduce the broth slightly to maintain the right consistency.

3. How spicy is this Cajun chicken pasta?

That depends on your Cajun seasoning blend. Store-bought mixes range from mild to fiery. Start with 1–2 teaspoons and adjust after tasting. If you prefer a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce just before serving.

4. What’s the best pasta shape for creamy sauces?

Short shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli work best because they catch the creamy cashew sauce in every curve. If you’re using gluten-free pasta, brown rice or quinoa-based varieties hold up beautifully.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes this pasta is great for meal prep. Store it in individual containers and reheat gently with a splash of broth or nut milk to restore the sauce’s creaminess. It keeps well for up to 4–5 days in the fridge.

Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (Dairy-Free Comfort Food Recipe)

Why You’ll Love This Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta