06/02/2025
Quite a few of my friends have, or have children who do, gluten or dairy issues! Dairy free and gluten free, this creamy cajun chicken pasta is a lightened up version of a comfort food classic! A cozy recipe that's perfect for any night of the week that's wholesome and full of zesty Cajun flavor. Gluten free, dairy free, vegan option.
Meat
• 1 lb Chicken breasts, boneless skinless
Produce
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning instead of onion powder
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 1 tsp Oregano, dried
• 1 Parsley
• 1/4 tsp Thyme, dried
• 1/2 Yellow onion, small
Canned Goods
• 1 1/2 cups Broth
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste
Pasta & Grains
• 12 oz Pasta, gluten free
Baking & Spices
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper
• 2 tbsp Nutritional yeast
• 1 Pinch Or two of cayenne
• 1 tsp Paprika, smoked
• 1/2 Pepper, large yellow or orange
• 1/2 Red pepper, large
• 1 1/2 tsp Salt
Oils & Vinegars
• 3 tbsp Olive oil
Nuts & Seeds
• 3/4 cup Cashews, raw
Here’s the step-by-step
Before you start cooking soak the cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. If you’re in a hurry you can simmer them on the stove top for 10 minutes before using.
Start a large pot of lightly salted water to boil for the pasta. Before draining reserve about 3/4 cup cooking water.
In a small bowl mix together all the dried spices until well combined.
Cook the chicken with some of the cajun seasoning. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the veggies with the remaining olive oil until tender.
Add the spices and tomato paste, and remove the skillet from the heat while you make the cashew cream sauce.
Drain soaked cashews and add to the blender with broth, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Blend on high for at least a minute – until smooth and creamy, and no pieces of cashews remain.
Return skillet to the stove top and add cooked pasta, cooked chicken, and the cashew sauce. Bring to a simmer and thin the sauce with the reserved pasta water if needed.
Taste and season to taste with salt and pepper. Top with fresh parsley if desired and serve!
