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Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free!

Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free!

A creamy, dairy-free version of Cajun chicken pasta that's gluten-free and full of zesty flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course main dish
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 6 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • blender
  • Heat proof bowl

Ingredients
  

Nuts

  • ¾ cup raw cashews

Pasta

  • 12 ounces gluten free pasta

Fats

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil divided

Protein

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite sized pieces

Vegetables

  • ½ small yellow onion finely diced
  • ½ large red pepper thinly sliced
  • ½ large yellow or orange pepper thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic chopped

Condiments

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning or substitute for spices if preferred
  • Pinch or two cayenne optional

Liquids

  • 1 ½ cups broth chicken or vegetable
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

Seasonings

  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper plus more to taste

Garnish

  • Parsley to garnish, optional

Instructions
 

  • Soak the cashews in boiled water for at least 30 minutes, or simmer for 10 minutes until pale and plump.
  • Boil salted water, cook the gluten-free pasta according to package instructions, reserving about ¾ cup cooking water. Drain and set aside.
  • Mix all dried spices in a small bowl until well combined.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet, add chicken and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook until done. Remove and set aside.
  • Add remaining olive oil to the skillet with onion, peppers, and garlic. Sauté until tender.
  • Add tomato paste and remaining Cajun seasoning, cook for another minute.
  • Blend soaked cashews with broth, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  • Combine cooked pasta, chicken, and cashew cream sauce in skillet, bring to simmer and adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water.
  • Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Notes

This recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for 4-5 days, but it is not recommended to freeze.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 25gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Cajun chicken pasta, cashew cream, Comfort Food, dairy-free, gluten-free, Pasta
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