Description

If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy pasta with a little spice, Ultimate Cajun Mozzarella Chicken Ranch Pasta is your go-to dish. Tender chunks of chicken are seasoned with bold Cajun spices, seared to perfection, and then combined with creamy mozzarella and ranch sauce. Tossed with al dente pasta, it’s a rich and flavorful meal that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a special weekend treat. It’s everything you love about comfort food, with a touch of Cajun kick!

This quick and easy pasta dish is sure to become a favorite. The combination of smoky Cajun heat and the cool creaminess of ranch, paired with melted mozzarella, will leave everyone asking for seconds. Get ready for a plateful of indulgence and flavor!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (plus extra for sprinkling)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

12 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
4 cups water, salted for boiling

For the Sauce:

1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)

Garnishes (Optional):

Fresh chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese for extra cheesy goodness

Instructions

Season the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, coat the chicken cubes with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, ranch dressing, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Melt the Mozzarella: Add shredded mozzarella and stir until melted and smooth.
Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and seared chicken to the sauce, stirring to coat. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.
Garnish & Serve: Top with extra mozzarella cheese, parsley, and/or grated Parmesan. Serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes