Description
This One Pot Cajun Ranch Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and creamy dish combining tender chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a rich, cheesy ranch sauce infused with spicy Cajun seasoning. Made in one pot, this meal is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 pound boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (for chicken)
- 3–4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (for vegetables and pasta)
- Chili flakes, to taste
Vegetables
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 2 poblano peppers, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Other Ingredients
- 1 pound short cut pasta
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups milk
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pot set over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the cubed chicken and 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is cooked through and slightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the sliced onions, chopped poblano peppers, chopped garlic, and 2 to 3 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the short cut pasta, chopped parsley, and 2 cups of water to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Stir frequently and cook until the pasta is al dente, approximately 8 minutes, making sure to prevent sticking.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the milk, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and grated Parmesan cheese into the pasta mixture. Mix well until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning with chili flakes according to taste.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the pot and gently fold it into the creamy pasta mixture until evenly distributed and heated through.
- Serve: Serve the Cajun Ranch Chicken Pasta immediately, garnished with additional fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your flavorful one-pot meal!
Notes
- Use any short cut pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or rotini for best results.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and chili flakes to control the spice level to your preference.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer a few extra minutes before adding the chicken back in.
- This dish can be made with either chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and use a dairy-free ranch dressing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, one pot dinner, creamy pasta, spicy chicken pasta, ranch dressing pasta
