Creamy Parmesan Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup

Prep Time:10 minutes Cook Time:20 minutes Total Time:30 minutes Servings: 6

A tasty chicken noodle (pasta) soup with a cajun seasoned creamy parmesan broth!

ingredients

1 tablespoon oil
1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup onion, diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 cup bell pepper, diced
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
6 cups chicken broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes (optional)
8 ounces of pasta (such as ditalini or shells)
1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream (optional)
1/3 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan cheese), grated
cayenne, salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional)
2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)

directions

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add the chicken, seasoned with salt and pepper to taste, and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 2-4 minutes per side, before setting aside.
Melt the butter in the same saucepan before adding the onion, celery and bell pepper and cooking until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the garlic, thyme, and cajun seasoning, and cook until fragrant, about a minute.
Add the broth, diced tomatoes, pasta, and worcestershire sauce, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the paste is al-dente tender, about 7 minutes.
Turn off the heat, add the cream and parmesan, mix and let the cheese melt into the broth.
Season with cayenne, salt and pepper to taste before mixing in the lemon juice, parsley and green onions and enjoying!

Option: Add 1 teaspoon old bay seasoning.
Option: Add 4 ounces cream cheese, warmed, along with the parmesan.
Option: Add 8 ounces andouille sausage, sliced and browned.
Option: Add 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled.