Introduction

This One Pot Cajun Ranch Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and creamy dish perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender chicken, spicy Cajun seasoning, and a rich ranch sauce all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup. You’ll love how quickly this hearty meal comes together without sacrificing taste.

A white bowl is filled with a creamy pasta dish made of farfalle pasta coated in a light beige creamy sauce. Mixed in are browned pieces of grilled chicken with a slightly crispy, golden texture, and small chunks of green vegetables that look like zucchini. The dish is sprinkled lightly with grated cheese. A gold spoon rests inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and part of a textured beige cloth and a bowl with green leafy herbs are visible in the background. 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)

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 and add the cubed chicken along with 2 teaspoons of 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: Add the sliced onion, chopped poblano peppers, garlic, and 2-3 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Stir in the pasta, chopped parsley, and 2 cups of water. Cook, stirring frequently, until the pasta is al dente, about 8 minutes.

Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the milk, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and grated Parmesan. Mix until the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the pot and gently fold it into the creamy pasta. Adjust seasoning with chili flakes if desired.

Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for a delicious finish.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result.

Substitute poblano peppers with bell peppers if you prefer less heat.

For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of water.

Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a fresh, tangy touch.

If you like it spicier, increase the Cajun seasoning or add extra chili flakes to taste.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, short cut pasta like penne or rigatoni works best to hold the sauce, but you can use any pasta shape you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

It can be frozen, but creamy sauces sometimes change texture after freezing. For best results, freeze the cooked chicken separately and prepare the pasta fresh when ready to eat.