Description
Indulge in a deliciously creamy and zesty meal with our Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta, designed to be both dairy-free and gluten-free. This savory dish is ideal for busy weeknights or gatherings, bringing the comforting essence of pasta alive with its rich cashew cream sauce and bold Cajun flavors. With just 35 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll enjoy a nutritious and satisfying meal that caters to various dietary needs without sacrificing taste. Perfectly paired with fresh greens or crusty bread, this versatile pasta dish promises to be a hit at your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup raw cashews
- 12 ounces gluten-free pasta
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 small yellow onion
- 1/2 large red pepper
- 1/2 large yellow or orange pepper
- 3 cloves garlic
- Spices: tomato paste, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, smoked paprika, thyme, cayenne (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
- Nutritional yeast
Instructions
- Soak cashews in boiled water for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook gluten-free pasta according to package instructions; reserve some cooking water.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chicken pieces seasoned with spice mix until browned.
- Add diced onion and bell peppers; sauté until tender.
- Stir in tomato paste and remaining spices; cook until fragrant.
- Blend soaked cashews with broth, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine chicken, veggies, cooked pasta, and cashew cream in the skillet; simmer gently.
- Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if needed; serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing/Blending
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Soak cashews longer for an even creamier texture. Experiment with different vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition. For a vegan version, substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp.