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homemade One Pot Cajun Ranch Chicken Pasta. recipe photo

One Pot Cajun Ranch Chicken Pasta.

Creamy, spicy one-pot pasta with Cajun-seasoned chicken and ranch for a quick weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 pound boneless chicken breasts or thighs cubed
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning for cooking chicken
  • 1 yellow onion sliced
  • 2 poblano peppers chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic chopped
  • 3-4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning for vegetables and pasta
  • 1 pound short-cut pasta
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • chili flakes to taste
  • 2 cups water for cooking pasta in the pot
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 ounces cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
  • Reduce heat to medium. Add the sliced onion, chopped poblano peppers, chopped garlic, and 3 to 4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning to the pot. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables are softened, about 4–6 minutes.
  • Add the short-cut pasta, chopped parsley, 2 cups water, and a pinch of chili flakes to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring often, until the pasta is al dente and most of the water is absorbed, about 8 minutes (follow package timing as needed).
  • Stir in 2 cups milk, 2 ounces cream cheese, 1/2 cup ranch dressing, and 1 cup grated Parmesan. Cook over low heat, stirring, until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the pot and gently fold it into the pasta until heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Cajun seasoning if desired.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Use store-bought Cajun seasoning or make the homemade blend provided.
  • Adjust cayenne or chili flakes to control heat.
  • Short-cut pasta like penne or rigatoni works best.
  • Stir frequently while cooking pasta to prevent sticking.
  • For thicker sauce, simmer a few minutes longer to reduce liquid.