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One Pot Cajun Ranch Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.3 from 8 reviews

This One Pot Cajun Ranch Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender Cajun-seasoned chicken with a rich ranch and parmesan cheese sauce, all cooked together with short cut pasta and fresh veggies for a comforting and satisfying meal ready in just 35 minutes.

Ingredients

Protein

  • 1 pound boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed

Vegetables

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

Dairy & Sauces

  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 ounces cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Spices & Seasonings

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

Others

  • 1 pound short cut pasta
  • 2 cups water

Instructions

  1. Cook the chicken: In a large pot over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of salted butter. Add the cubed chicken along with 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes until it is cooked through and slightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside for later.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: Using the same pot, add the sliced onion, chopped poblano peppers, and chopped garlic along with 2 to 3 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  3. Cook the pasta: To the sautéed vegetables, add the short cut pasta, chopped parsley, and 2 cups of water. Stir well and continue cooking, stirring often, until the pasta is al dente, approximately 8 minutes. This allows the pasta to absorb flavors while cooking.
  4. Add creamy ingredients: Once the pasta is cooked, reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in 2 cups of milk, 2 ounces of cream cheese, 1/2 cup of ranch dressing, and 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese. Mix everything together until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
  5. Combine chicken and pasta: Slide the cooked chicken back into the pot with the creamy pasta mixture. Gently fold everything together to ensure the chicken is evenly distributed and warmed through.
  6. Serve and garnish: Serve the Cajun ranch chicken pasta immediately. Garnish with additional grated parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley as desired. Add chili flakes to taste for extra heat if preferred. Enjoy your rich, flavorful one pot meal!

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful result.
  • If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning and omit chili flakes.
  • Short cut pasta includes penne, rotini, or similar shapes that hold sauce well.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute milk and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.
  • Make sure to stir pasta frequently while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

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