Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and seasoning them with Cajun seasoning. Set aside.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and sauté until they are cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring well to combine.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically around 10-12 minutes.
- When the pasta is cooked, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until fully combined and creamy.
- Return the cooked chicken back to the pot, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
Storage & Reheating:
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Variations:
- For extra heat, add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Substitute the chicken with shrimp for a different protein option.
- Add leafy greens like spinach or kale for added nutrition.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Variations:
- For extra heat, add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Substitute the chicken with shrimp for a different protein option.
- Add leafy greens like spinach or kale for added nutrition.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
