Description
Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a bold, dairy-free, and gluten-free twist on a classic comfort dish. Featuring Cajun-seasoned chicken, gluten-free pasta, and a silky cashew-based cream sauce, this one-skillet recipe delivers indulgent flavor without any dairy or wheat. Perfect for special diets, quick weeknight meals, or allergy-friendly family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Cajun Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips
- 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Pasta:
- 8 oz gluten-free pasta (penne or fusilli)
- Water and salt for boiling
- For the Cashew Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 30 minutes or overnight)
- ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk or water
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers
- ½ cup chopped spinach
- ½ cup sliced Cajun sausage (gluten-free)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cashew Cream: Drain soaked cashews and blend with almond milk, garlic, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, onion powder, and salt until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil gluten-free pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with warm water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables (if using): In the same skillet, sauté bell peppers or spinach for 2–3 minutes.
- Combine: Return chicken to the skillet. Add pasta and pour in cashew cream. Toss everything together and cook 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley or extra Cajun seasoning. Serve warm.
Notes
- Soak cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes for smoothest texture.
- Use a high-speed blender for the creamiest sauce consistency.
- Adjust the sauce thickness by adding more almond milk if needed.
- Reheat with a splash of almond milk to refresh creaminess.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh; cashew cream may not freeze well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Cashew Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Gluten Free Dairy Free Pasta, Cajun Chicken Pasta, Dairy Free Cream Sauce, Allergy Friendly Dinner