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Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free! Recipe

Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free! Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

Creamy and flavorful, this Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta is a dairy-free and gluten-free dish that offers a lightened-up twist on a classic comfort food. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe is packed with zesty Cajun flavors and a creamy cashew sauce.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup raw cashews
  • 12 ounces gluten-free pasta
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Seasonings:

  • 1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 large red pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 large yellow or orange pepper, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves of garlic, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Pinch or two of cayenne (optional) OR 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

Sauce:

  • 1 1/2 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
  • Parsley, to garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep Cashews: Soak raw cashews in hot water for 30 minutes or simmer on stove until plump.
  2. Cook Pasta: Boil water, cook pasta per package instructions, and reserve 3/4 cup cooking water.
  3. Prepare Spices: Mix all dried spices in a bowl.
  4. Cook Chicken: Sauté chicken in olive oil with Cajun seasoning until cooked through; set aside.
  5. Sauté Veggies: Cook onion, peppers, and garlic in olive oil until tender.
  6. Add Seasonings: Stir in tomato paste and Cajun seasoning until aromatic.
  7. Make Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews, broth, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  8. Combine: Mix pasta, chicken, and cashew cream in skillet; simmer until sauce thickens.
  9. Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in a sealed container for 4-5 days.
  • Freezing: Not recommended due to potential texture issues.
  • Reheating: Warm gently and adjust consistency with liquid as needed.

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