Description
Experience the irresistible Smoky Cajun Ranch Chicken Penne Skillet, a comforting dish that melds rich flavors in just 30 minutes. This one-pan meal features tender chicken and hearty penne pasta enveloped in a creamy ranch sauce enhanced with smoky Cajun spices. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, it delivers bold taste with minimal cleanup. Customize it by adding your favorite veggies or swapping chicken for plant-based options. Your family and friends will savor every bite of this delightful fusion of Italian and Cajun cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add diced onion and red bell pepper; sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning; cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, ranch dressing, and heavy cream; bring to a boil.
- Add uncooked penne pasta, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 10-12 minutes until pasta is cooked and sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, serve warm garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg