This One-Pot Creamy Cajun Ranch Chicken Pasta is an easy and flavorful dinner your family will love. Tender chicken is seasoned with homemade Cajun seasoning and then cooked with penne pasta in a rich and creamy sauce. Everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is quick and simple! It’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights. If you love creamy pastas like this one, don’t miss my One Pot Spicy Sausage Pasta—it’s another weeknight favorite with a kick of heat and tons of flavor!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken: I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts in this recipe. But chicken thighs would also work. When cutting the chicken, try to keep the pieces as close in size as possible for even cooking. Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Cajun Seasoning: This recipe starts by coating the chicken in bold, smoky Cajun seasoning. Then, I added a little more to the creamy sauce. You can use store-bought or try my easy homemade Cajun seasoning for even more flavor in every bite.
- Chicken Broth: The chicken broth in this recipe helps create a flavorful base for the creamy sauce and cooks the pasta to perfection. If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use chicken stock instead.
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream (also called heavy whipping cream) is used to make the sauce extra creamy and rich. If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option.
- Pasta: I like penne pasta for this recipe because the tube shape holds the creamy ranch sauce in every bite! If you don’t have penne pasta, you can use other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, rotini, or ziti. Choose a sturdy pasta that holds up well in one-pot meals and can soak up the creamy sauce!
- Ranch Dressing: Ranch dressing adds a creamy, tangy flavor that balances the heat from the Cajun seasoning and makes the sauce extra smooth and flavorful. For the best flavor, try using my homemade ranch dressing—it’s rich, fresh, and makes this creamy Cajun ranch chicken pasta even more delicious!
- Cheese: Mozzarella and parmesan cheese make the sauce extra creamy! The mozzarella melts smoothly, while the parmesan adds a salty, savory kick. If you don’t have mozzarella or parmesan, you can use other melty cheeses like Monterey Jack, cheddar, or Colby Jack. For a saltier taste, Romano or Asiago works as a Parmesan alternative.
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken In Creamy Cajun Ranch Pasta?
Yes, you can use precooked chicken like rotisserie chicken or leftover shredded chicken! Just shred or cube it and stir it in with the ranch, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Since it’s already cooked, you can skip cooking the chicken, making this recipe even easier! For extra flavor, toss it with a little Cajun seasoning before adding.
How To Keep Cheese From Clumping In Creamy Pasta
To keep the cheese from clumping in the creamy Cajun ranch chicken pasta, make sure you:
- Remove the skillet from the heat before adding the cheese—this keeps it from getting too hot and separating.
- Shred your own cheese if you can! Pre-shredded cheese has a coating that can keep it from melting smoothly.
- Add the cheese slowly and stir well so it melts evenly into the sauce.
Best Side Dishes To Serve With Creamy Cajun Ranch Chicken Pasta
Looking for some side dishes to serve with Creamy Cajun Ranch Chicken Pasta? Here are a few that I think would go really well with the pasta dish:
- Roasted Broccoli Salad
- Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- German Cucumber Salad
- Homemade Cornbread or Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread!
How To Store & Reheat One Pot Creamy Cajun Ranch Chicken Pasta
To store your creamy Cajun ranch chicken pasta, let it cool completely, then place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, you can use the stovetop or microwave. For the stovetop, heat it in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, and add a bit of milk or chicken broth to bring back the creamy texture. If using the microwave, place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Add milk or broth if needed to keep it creamy. I love the leftovers!
One Pot Creamy Cajun Ranch Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 2 medium chicken breasts)
- 3 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 3 cups (24 ounces / 720 g) chicken broth
- 1 cup (238 g) heavy cream, room temperature
- 16 ounces penne pasta, uncooked
- ½ cup (120 g) ranch dressing
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup (113 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup (50 g) parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is browned and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet over medium-high heat, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the uncooked penne pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Stir in the ranch dressing, remaining ½ teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for another minute to blend the flavors.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses and stir until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Did you make this recipe?
You can tag me at @iamhomesteader.
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
This is delicious! The creamy sauce and Cajun spice blend perfectly with the chicken. I love it!
Elizabeth
An easy recipe that is this good? Okay, I will take it (and make it) a lot!
Annabelle
This is so easy to make and full of flavor!
Bella
This is really good. I would add a little more Cajun seasoning for more of a kick, but that is just me (and easy to do).
Stephanie
This is great for busy nights. It is quick, creamy, and has just the right amount of spice.
What can I substitute for heavy cream? I’d love to make this, sounds delicious and easy!
Looks delicous! Must try to make it own at home!
Sorry cannot eat spicy. Can I make it without the Cajun seasoning?