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 & Flavor-Packed Comfort Food

Name: Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (Dairy-Free Comfort Food Recipe)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup raw cashews; 12 ounces gluten-free pasta (or regular); 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced; 1/2 small yellow onion, diced; 1/2 large red pepper, sliced; 1/2 large yellow or orange pepper, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, chopped; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme; Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional); 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Fresh parsley, for garnish

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

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a dairy-free, gluten-free comfort food packed with smoky Cajun flavor and a silky cashew cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Author: Emily Parker
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

3/4 cup raw cashews

12 ounces gluten-free pasta (or regular)

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced

1/2 small yellow onion, diced

1/2 large red pepper, sliced

1/2 large yellow or orange pepper, sliced

3 cloves garlic, chopped

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Fresh parsley, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Soak raw cashews in hot water for 30 minutes, or simmer for 10 minutes until soft.

2. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 3/4 cup of pasta water.

3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning. Cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, add remaining oil, onion, peppers, and garlic. Sauté 3–4 minutes until tender.

5. Stir in tomato paste and remaining Cajun spices. Cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor.

6. Blend soaked cashews with broth, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper until smooth.

7. Add chicken, pasta, and sauce back into the skillet. Stir and simmer for 2 minutes, thinning with pasta water if needed.

8. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

For vegan option, omit chicken and add mushrooms or chickpeas.

Adjust spice level by adding or reducing cayenne.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat gently with broth or nut milk to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 480
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 590mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Find it online: https://www.flavourrecipe.com/cashew-creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta/