Is this dish very spicy?

It has a kick, but it isn't overwhelming. If you are sensitive to spice, omit the cayenne pepper and reduce the smoked paprika slightly. You control the heat!

Can I use almond milk instead of broth for blending?

Yes, you can, as long as it is unsweetened and unflavored. However, vegetable or chicken broth adds a savory saltiness that makes the Chicken Pasta with Cashew Cream Cajun taste more like a dinner dish and less like a nut sauce.

What if I have a nut allergy?

If you cannot do cashews, you can try using full-fat canned coconut milk or a commercial dairy-free heavy cream alternative. However, the cashews provide the best neutral, thick texture for this specific recipe.

Creamy Chicken Pasta with Cashew Cream Cajun (Gluten Free)

Name: Creamy Chicken Pasta with Cashew Cream Cajun (Gluten Free, Dairy Free)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup raw cashews; 12 ounces gluten free pasta (penne or rotini); 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced; 1/2 a large red pepper, thinly sliced; 1/2 a large yellow or orange pepper, thinly sliced; 3 cloves of garlic, chopped; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast; 1 1/2 cups broth (chicken or vegetable); 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Parsley, to garnish (optional); — Cajun Seasoning Blend —; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon dried thyme; Pinch or two of cayenne (optional)

Description

This Chicken Pasta with Cashew Cream Cajun is the ultimate gluten-free and dairy-free comfort food. The sauce is made from blended cashews for a rich, creamy texture without the cream.

Ingredients

Scale

3/4 cup raw cashews

12 ounces gluten free pasta (penne or rotini)

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced

1/2 a large red pepper, thinly sliced

1/2 a large yellow or orange pepper, thinly sliced

3 cloves of garlic, chopped

2 tablespoons tomato paste

2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

1 1/2 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)

1 1/2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Parsley, to garnish (optional)

— Cajun Seasoning Blend —

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

¼ teaspoon dried thyme

Pinch or two of cayenne (optional)

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Instructions

1. Place raw cashews in a heat-proof bowl and cover with boiling water. Soak for 30-60 minutes. (Quick method: Simmer on stovetop for 10 minutes).

2. Cook the gluten-free pasta in salted water according to package directions. Reserve 3/4 cup of the cooking water before draining.

3. Mix the dry spices (onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, thyme, cayenne) in a small bowl.

4. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss chicken with 1 tsp of the spice mix. Cook chicken until done. Remove to a plate.

5. Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Sauté onion, peppers, and garlic for 3-4 minutes until tender.

6. Stir in tomato paste and the remaining spice mix. Cook for 1 minute until aromatic. Remove from heat.

7. Drain cashews. Add to a blender with broth, nutritional yeast, 1.5 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp pepper. Blend on high until completely smooth.

8. Return skillet to medium-low heat. Add pasta, chicken, and cashew sauce. Stir to coat.

9. Simmer for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired creamy consistency.

10. Taste for salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Notes

**Texture:** If the sauce gets too thick while sitting, thin it with a little extra broth or water.

**Reheating:** This dish thickens significantly in the fridge. Always reheat with a splash of liquid to make it creamy again.

**Freezing:** Freezing is not recommended as the pasta texture and sauce emulsion may break.

Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 25
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 489
Sugar: 3.3
Sodium: 857
Fat: 19.2
Carbohydrates: 54.9
Fiber: 4.1
Protein: 26.6
Cholesterol: 56