Irresistible Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta : A Gluten-Free Dinner

If you’re on a gluten-free and dairy-free diet but still crave a rich, creamy, and spicy comfort meal, this Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is exactly what you need. With bold Cajun flavors, a velvety smooth cashew cream sauce, and protein-packed chicken, it checks all the boxes for an indulgent yet healthy weeknight dinner.

Perfect for those following a dairy-free diet or looking for gluten-free recipes for dinner, this dish is filling, nourishing, and shockingly easy to make. Whether you’re meal-prepping or cooking for the whole family, this pasta brings restaurant-level taste to your kitchen without the dairy or gluten.

Save

Why This Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Cajun Pasta Recipe Works

This recipe stands out for its perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and hearty satisfaction. It’s ideal for:

• Busy weeknights (ready in under 45 minutes)
• Family dinners, even with picky eaters
• Meal prep, since it stores and reheats well
• Anyone craving Cajun chicken pasta without dairy or gluten

It’s naturally creamy, thanks to blended cashews — no cheese, cream, or butter needed. Plus, the Cajun spice blend adds a bold kick that makes each bite irresistible.

Ingredients for Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Here’s what you need to bring this gluten-free dairy-free dinner to life:

For the Cashew Cream Sauce:

• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any dairy-free milk)
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove
• Salt to taste

For the Cajun Chicken Pasta:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 oz gluten-free pasta (penne or fusilli work well)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta with Cashew Cream Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the Cashew Cream Sauce:
   Drain soaked cashews and blend them with almond milk, nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, and salt until smooth. Set aside.
2. Cook the Gluten-Free Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the Chicken:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with Cajun spice, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. Sauté the Veggies:
   In the same skillet, add another drizzle of oil if needed. Sauté bell peppers and onion for about 5 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.
5. Combine Everything:
   Return cooked chicken to the pan, add drained pasta, and pour in the cashew cream sauce. Stir to combine and cook for another 3-5 minutes until heated through.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   Top with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper before serving.

Save

Tips for Cooking Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free Pasta Dinners

• Use a quality gluten-free pasta brand like Banza or Jovial for better texture.
• Don’t overcook your pasta, especially gluten-free types that can get mushy.
• Adjust the creaminess by thinning the sauce with extra almond milk if needed.
• For an even spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your sauce or chicken.

Looking for more hearty dairy-free dinner ideas? Try our Coconut Curry Pumpkin Soup or the cozy Creamy Tuscan Salmon.

Best Pasta Choices for Gluten-Free Recipes for Dinner

When making gluten-free pasta dishes, choosing the right pasta matters. Here are a few great options:

• Brown rice pasta: Neutral flavor and great bite
• Chickpea pasta: High in protein and fiber
• Lentil pasta: Great for low-carb, high-protein meals
• Quinoa pasta: Nutty taste and excellent texture

For more creative gluten-free pasta ideas, see our Pumpkin Gnocchi Brown Butter Sage recipe — another rich and seasonal pasta favorite.

Flavorful Add-Ins: Cajun Sausage, Veggies & More

Want to switch it up? Try these add-ins:

• Cajun sausage: Adds smoky depth
• Zucchini or spinach: Great for added fiber
• Cherry tomatoes: Bursts of sweetness
• Corn kernels: Southern-style texture and sweetness

You could even take inspiration from our Creamy Marry Me Chickpeas to create a vegetarian version!

---

Cashew Cream Sauce: A Dairy-Free Cooking Staple

Cashew cream is a lifesaver when avoiding dairy. It’s:

• Naturally creamy and rich
• Customizable (add herbs, garlic, spices)
• Easy to blend with just a few ingredients
• Ideal for pastas, soups, sauces, or dips

If you enjoy cooking without dairy, try using cashew cream in this Pumpkin Maple Blondies recipe as a creamy drizzle.

How to Meal Prep and Store Leftovers

Storing:
Let the pasta cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating:
Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of dairy-free milk to keep it creamy.

Meal prep tip:
Keep the pasta, sauce, and chicken separate until ready to serve for the freshest flavor.

Healthy Swaps for a Dairy-Free Diet Without Sacrificing Flavor

• Swap dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese shreds
• Use unsweetened oat milk or coconut milk for creamier results
• Replace butter with olive oil or plant-based margarine

Try more recipes like our Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Pancakes (use a dairy-free alternative) or Cheesy Pasta Bake With Pumpkin.

Pairings and Side Dish Ideas for Cajun Chicken Pasta

This pasta is hearty on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:

• Roasted green beans
• Simple cucumber dill salad
• Air-fryer garlic bread
• Grilled zucchini or squash

Or keep things light with a bowl of our Crunchy Thai Peanut Quinoa Salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Recipes

• Not soaking cashews long enough — They won’t blend smooth
• Overcooking gluten-free pasta — Can turn mushy
• Using sweetened plant-based milk — Will ruin the flavor
• Skipping spices — Cajun seasoning is essential for boldness

Save

FAQs About Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?
Yes! Just check that it’s gluten-free and dairy-free.

Is this recipe spicy?
It’s moderately spicy. Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your taste.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Swap cashew cream with a blend of oat milk and thickened mashed cauliflower for a nut-free version.

What’s the best gluten-free pasta to use?
Chickpea pasta or brown rice pasta are great choices.

Conclusion

This Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta brings the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and comfort to your gluten-free dairy-free dinner table. It’s bold, satisfying, and completely guilt-free. Whether you’re avoiding allergens or just looking to eat a little cleaner, this recipe delivers.

Loved this recipe? Be sure to check out our Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread and other flavorful gluten-free recipes for dinner. Don’t forget to share this recipe and subscribe to our blog for weekly kitchen inspiration!

Print