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Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free close-up in bright bowl

Cashew Cream Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dairy Free!

sam
This bold, spicy, and dairy-free pasta is coated in a silky cashew cream sauce and loaded with Cajun-spiced chicken and sautéed peppers. A comforting weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor—or allergens.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Cajun-Inspired
Servings 4 servings
Calories 495 kcal

Equipment

  • high-speed blender
  • large pot for pasta
  • colander
  • large skillet
  • wooden spoon or spatula
  • cutting board and knife

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup raw unsalted cashews (soaked 2–4 hours or boiled 10 mins)
  • 1 cup water (for blending cashew cream)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp sea salt
  • 2 large chicken breasts, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (mild or spicy)
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 small red onion, sliced
  • 8 oz gluten-free pasta (penne or fettuccine)
  • fresh parsley or chopped green onion, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • If you didn’t soak your cashews, cover them with boiling water for 10 minutes. Drain and blend with water, lemon juice, garlic, nutritional yeast, onion powder, and salt until silky smooth. Set aside.
  • Boil gluten-free pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Toss chicken with Cajun seasoning and cook 5–6 minutes until done. Add peppers and onion and sauté another 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp.
  • Lower heat. Add cooked pasta and cashew cream to skillet. Gently stir to combine. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to thin sauce.
  • Plate and garnish with parsley or green onions. Serve warm.

Notes

To make it vegan, swap chicken for mushrooms or chickpeas. Add wilted spinach, steamed broccoli, or zucchini for more greens. For extra depth, try a dash of smoked paprika or finish with garlic-infused olive oil and dairy-free parmesan. Great for meal prep!

Nutrition

Calories: 495kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 33gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 480mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 3mg
Keyword cashew cream pasta, creamy spicy pasta, dairy free chicken pasta, gluten free cajun pasta
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