Get ready to transform your ordinary pasta salad into a flavor explosion that'll have everyone begging for seconds! This Cajun Chicken Pasta Salad isn't just another side dish – it's a Southern-inspired culinary adventure that brings together the perfect blend of zesty Cajun spices, tender chicken, and creamy ranch dressing. Whether you're planning a summer barbecue, a potluck, or just craving something extraordinary, this recipe promises to be your new go-to crowd-pleaser that combines convenience with mind-blowing taste.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 8 oz penne pasta, cooked
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken breasts. Season the chicken generously with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Once cooled, dice the chicken into bite-sized cubes.
- Simultaneously, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced bell peppers and red onion.
- Add the cooled pasta and diced chicken to the bowl with the vegetables.
- Sprinkle the remaining Cajun seasoning over the mixture and toss to distribute evenly.
- Pour the ranch dressing over the pasta salad and gently mix to coat all ingredients thoroughly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a quick stir and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled.
Tips
- Chicken Cooking Hack: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F (74°C) – no dry chicken allowed!
- Flavor Boost: Toast your Cajun seasoning in the skillet for 30 seconds before seasoning the chicken to enhance its aromatic spices.
- Pasta Cooling Trick: Rinse pasta with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This pasta salad tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance.
- Customization Options: Feel free to add extras like chopped parsley, diced celery, or swap ranch for a homemade Cajun aioli for extra kick.
- Serving Suggestion: For best flavor, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the spices to meld together.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 37g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 80mg
