Creamy Cajun White Cheddar Ranch Chicken Pasta Recipe
A rich and flavorful Creamy Cajun White Cheddar Ranch Chicken Pasta combining tender chicken, spicy Cajun seasoning, creamy ranch dressing, and sharp white cheddar cheese tossed with perfectly cooked rotini pasta in a luscious sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Dairy
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
Pasta and Liquids
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
Seasonings and Oils
- 1/2 cup Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cooked chicken, then season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to blend.
- Add Broth, Cream, and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in the Cajun seasoning until combined. Add the uncooked pasta and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is fully cooked and tender.
- Incorporate Cheese and Ranch Dressing: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese and ranch dressing. Mix well until the sauce becomes creamy, smooth, and evenly coats the pasta and chicken.
- Serve: Transfer to serving plates or bowls, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy your creamy, spicy, and comforting Cajun chicken pasta!
Notes
- Use cooked chicken to save time; rotisserie chicken works well.
- You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the spice level.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach can add color and nutrition.
- To make it gluten free, use gluten-free pasta.
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, white cheddar pasta, ranch dressing pasta, one pot pasta, spicy chicken pasta
