Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure with this mouthwatering Grilled Cajun Ranch Chicken Pasta! Imagine perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken grilled to perfection, tossed with creamy ranch dressing, and mixed with al dente pasta - this recipe is about to become your new weeknight obsession. Whether you're looking to impress your family or craving a restaurant-quality meal at home, this dish promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning, ensuring even coverage.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the hot grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
- While the chicken is grilling, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then slice the chicken into thin strips.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add ranch dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced grilled chicken.
- Gently toss all ingredients together until the pasta is evenly coated with ranch dressing and cheese.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve hot, directly from the pot, ensuring each serving has a good mix of chicken, pasta, and vegetables.
Tips
- Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure the Cajun spices stick and create a delicious crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee your chicken is cooked perfectly at 165°F - no dry chicken here!
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling to lock in those precious juices.
- For extra flavor, try using freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-packaged cheese.
- If you don't have a grill, a grill pan or even a skillet works perfectly fine.
- Don't overcook the pasta - al dente is key for the best texture.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for more nutrition.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ranch dressing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg
