# One-Pot Cajun Ranch Chicken Pasta

Smoky Cajun spice and cool ranch collide in a creamy, one-pot pasta loaded with tender chicken and a sauce that clings to every noodle.

_Dinner · American_

Prep: 10 min · Cook: 30 min · Total: 40 min · Yields: 4 servings

## Ingredients

- 1 ½ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 1 medium red bell pepper (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 8 oz penne pasta (dry)
- 1 oz ranch seasoning packet (about 2 tbsp)
- 4 oz cream cheese (cubed, room temperature)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

## Instructions

1. Pat the 1.5 lb chicken pieces dry, then toss them in a bowl with 1 tbsp of the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
2. Heat the 2 tbsp olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and sear for 4–5 minutes, turning once, until golden on the outside. The chicken does not need to be cooked through yet. Transfer to a plate.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the same pot and cook for 4 minutes, scraping up any browned bits, until softened.
5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Pour in the 2 cups chicken broth and 1.5 cups whole milk, then stir in the ranch seasoning packet and the remaining 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning.
7. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then add the 8 oz penne pasta, stirring to submerge it fully.
8. Return the seared chicken and any resting juices to the pot. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 12–14 minutes, stirring every 3–4 minutes, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
9. Reduce heat to low. Add the 4 oz cubed cream cheese and the 0.5 cup heavy cream, stirring until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
10. Sprinkle in the 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
11. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional Cajun seasoning or salt as needed. Garnish with the 2 tbsp fresh parsley and serve immediately from the pot.

## Tip

> Cube the cream cheese small and let it sit at room temperature before adding — cold blocks seize in the hot sauce and leave lumps that are hard to stir out.

Tags: one-pan, weeknight, comfort-food, cajun, 30-minute

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Canonical: https://just-recipes.io/recipes/one-pot-cajun-ranch-chicken-pasta