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One Pot Cajun Ranch Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.2 from 3 reviews

This One Pot Cajun Ranch Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful skillet dish combining tender Cajun-spiced chicken, sautéed vegetables, and pasta all cooked together for an easy, comforting meal. The rich sauce with cream cheese, ranch dressing, and parmesan cheese melds beautifully with a kick of Cajun seasoning, offering a perfect balance of creamy and spicy in just 35 minutes.

Ingredients

Protein & Dairy

  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 pound boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
  • 2 ounces cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
  • 2 cups milk

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 1 yellow onion, sliced
  • 2 poblano peppers, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish

Spices & Seasonings

  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (for chicken)
  • 3-4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (for vegetables and pasta)
  • Chili flakes, to taste

Pasta & Liquids

  • 1 pound short-cut pasta
  • 2 cups water

Instructions

  1. Cook the chicken: In a large pot over medium-high heat, melt the butter and add the cubed chicken along with 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to keep warm.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the sliced yellow onion, chopped poblano peppers, chopped garlic, and 2-3 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
  3. Cook the pasta: Add the short-cut pasta to the pot along with the chopped parsley and 2 cups of water. Stir well and cook, stirring often, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid, approximately 8 minutes.
  4. Make the creamy sauce: Lower the heat to medium, then stir in the milk, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and grated parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level.
  5. Combine chicken and pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the pot and gently mix it into the creamy pasta. Ensure everything is heated through and well combined.
  6. Serve: Immediately dish out the pasta onto plates, garnishing with additional parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, spicy Cajun flavors.

Notes

  • Use short-cut pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini for best results that hold the sauce well.
  • If you prefer less spice, reduce the Cajun seasoning and chili flakes accordingly.
  • Substitute milk with half-and-half or heavy cream for an even richer sauce.
  • Fresh parsley adds a bright flavor and color; feel free to add more as garnish.
  • This recipe can be made with chicken thighs or breasts based on your preference.
  • Make sure to stir the pasta frequently to prevent sticking and achieve even cooking.

Find it online: https://miracooking.com/one-pot-cajun-ranch-chicken-pasta-recipe/