Grilled Cajun Ranch Chicken Pasta

Grilled Cajun Ranch Chicken Pasta AND Homemade Cajun Seasoning
Adapted from www.plainchicken.com

Chicken Marinade:
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup ranch dressing
3 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning (see recipe below for homemade seasoning)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp white vinegar
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1 Tbsp white sugar, or to taste
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

In a medium bowl, stir together the olive oil, ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, cajun seasoning, salt, lemon juice, white vinegar, pepper, and sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes. Pound chicken breast to 1/4" thickness. Place chicken in the gallon size ziplock bag, and stir to coat with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight better). Preheat the grill for medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, and the juices run clear. Slice and serve over pasta.

Pasta:
16 oz bowtie pasta
2 1/2 c. evaporated milk
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp pepper
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
2 Tbsp butter
1/2 c. shredded Parmesan cheese
Salt to taste
OPTIONAL: top w/ diced tomato, sliced green onions & sauteed mushrooms

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; set aside.

In a small saucepan, melt butter, add garlic, evaporated milk, Cajun seasoning, pepper, and parmesan cheese. Whisk together on low heat for 5-6 minutes. In a large bowl, pour over cooked, drained pasta. Top with Cajun ranch chicken. Top w/ diced tomato, sliced green onions and sauteed mushrooms!


Homemade Cajun Seasoning

2 1/2 teaspoons paprika
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 teaspoons dried thyme

Combine all spices together and use for recipe above. There will be extra seasoning left over that can be used for another recipe or sprinkle just a pinch over pasta for presentation.