Dinner

One Pot Cajun Ranch Chicken Pasta Recipe

BySophie Carsel October 31, 2025October 31, 2025

Introduction

This One Pot Cajun Ranch Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines spicy Cajun seasoning with the cool tang of ranch dressing. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it comes together quickly and uses just one pot for easy cleanup.

A bowl filled with creamy pasta made from many layers of bow-tie shaped pasta in light yellow, mixed with golden-brown grilled chicken pieces and small green vegetable chunks, all coated in a creamy white sauce. A few drops of grated cheese are scattered on top, and a thin golden spoon rests partially inside the bowl on the left side. The bowl is white with a subtle gray rim and sits on a white marbled surface, with a knit beige cloth visible at the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons salted butter
1 pound boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (plus 3-4 teaspoons more, divided)
1 yellow onion, sliced
2 poblano peppers, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 pound short cut pasta
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Chili flakes, to taste
2 cups milk
2 ounces cream cheese
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the cubed chicken and 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: To the same pot, add the sliced onion, chopped poblano peppers, garlic, and 2 to 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning. Cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the pasta, chopped parsley, and 2 cups of water to the pot. Stir well and cook, stirring often, until the pasta is al dente, approximately 8 minutes.
Step 4: Reduce heat to low and stir in the milk, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the pot and gently fold it into the pasta and sauce.
Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan, parsley, and chili flakes to taste. Enjoy your flavorful one pot meal!

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili flakes or Cajun seasoning.
Swap poblano peppers for bell peppers if you prefer a milder flavor.
Use half-and-half instead of milk for an even richer sauce.
Try adding cooked bacon bits for extra smokiness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with three layers of food, starting with a base of golden-brown grilled chicken pieces, followed by a mix of creamy beige sauce coating light yellow bowtie pasta, and scattered green vegetable bits throughout. The chicken pieces look juicy with some charred edges, and the sauce has a smooth, rich texture that blends everything together. A golden spoon is resting on the side of the bowl, which sits on a white marbled surface with some scattered grated cheese around it. Part of a beige knitted cloth is visible at the bottom right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken for even cooking. If using frozen chicken, thaw it completely before cooking to ensure it cooks through properly.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this dish?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or plant-based chicken alternatives to keep the dish satisfying and flavorful.