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Cajun Ranch Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Creamy Comfort Food Recipe

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Creamy, flavorful Cajun Ranch Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy weeknight meal. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, spicy sauce come together for a dish the whole family will love!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 ounces each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure!
  3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding. Once rested, slice or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
  4. While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well.
  5. In a large skillet or pot (the same one you used for the chicken, if you like!), add the softened cream cheese and milk. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
  6. Stir in the ranch dressing, Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
  7. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
  8. Heat a little olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced bell pepper and chopped onion. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until they’re tender.
  9. You can add the bell pepper, onion, and mushrooms directly to the sauce while it’s simmering. Cook until they’re tender, about 5-10 minutes.
  10. Stir the cooked veggies into the pasta and sauce mixture.
  11. Add the cooked chicken to the pasta and sauce mixture. Gently toss everything together until the chicken is evenly distributed.
  12. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

  • Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your liking.
  • Chicken: You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
  • Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Cheese: You can substitute the Parmesan cheese with other cheeses, such as mozzarella or cheddar.
  • Creaminess: For an even creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half.
  • Make it Lighter: Use light cream cheese and skim milk to reduce the fat content.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Add the chicken just before serving.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a little milk or water if the sauce is too thick.

Find it online: https://anasrecipes.com/cajun-ranch-chicken-pasta/