Easy Ranch Chicken Pasta Recipe for Your Family Dinners

Whipping up a hidden valley ranch chicken pasta promises a delightful culinary adventure that will surprise your taste buds.

Creamy textures blend perfectly with zesty ranch flavors in this simple weeknight meal.

Ranch seasoning adds a magical touch to tender chicken pieces nestled among perfectly cooked pasta.

Crisp vegetables can complement the dish, bringing extra nutrition and color to your plate.

Home cooks love how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal ingredients.

Minimal prep work means you can enjoy a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe that guarantees smiles around the dinner table.

Creamy Comfort: Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta Insights

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Dive into a deliciously simple meal that transforms ordinary ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dinner in just a few easy steps.
• Creamy Comfort Food Bliss: Indulge in a rich, cheesy pasta dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for satisfying those comfort food cravings.
• Versatile Family Favorite: Customize this recipe by adding vegetables, swapping proteins, or adjusting spice levels to please every palate at the dinner table.
• One-Pan Convenience: Minimize cleanup with a single-skillet recipe that brings together pasta, protein, and a dreamy sauce in one smooth cooking process.

Ingredients That Make Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta Shine

• Pasta: The foundation of the dish that provides a hearty and comforting texture.
• Chicken: A protein-rich ingredient that adds substantial flavor and substance to the recipe.

• Ranch Seasoning: A zesty blend that introduces a tangy and herbal flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and smooth base for the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and enhances the overall savory taste of the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melt to create a creamy and sharp cheese sauce that coats the pasta.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and providing a subtle underlying flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: A garnish that adds a bright, fresh note and visual appeal to the final dish.

How to Cook Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta Like a Pro

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfection

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until it reaches al dente texture. Use your preferred pasta shape like penne or rotini.

Drain completely and set aside in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Sizzle Chicken Strips

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat.

Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through. Ensure each piece is evenly browned and has no pink interior.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Ranch Sauce

• Ranch seasoning mix
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth

Stir ingredients together and let simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to blend and sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Melt Cheesy Goodness

• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Stir continuously until cheese melts completely and sauce becomes smooth and velvety.

Step 5: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Gently fold cooked pasta into the creamy ranch sauce. Ensure every pasta piece gets generously coated with the rich, cheesy mixture.

Step 6: Garnish and Plate

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the pasta. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the creamy, tangy ranch chicken pasta.

Pro Tips for Creamy Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta

• Opt for high-quality ranch seasoning mix to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner protein option and easier preparation.
• Reserve some pasta water before draining to help adjust sauce consistency if needed.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a more authentic and richer taste compared to pre-packaged options.
• Balance the dish by adding steamed vegetables like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition and color.

Variations to Personalize Your Ranch Chicken Pasta

• Lighter Ranch Chicken Pasta: Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt and use low-fat milk for a healthier version. Swap full-fat cheeses with reduced-fat alternatives.
• Spicy Ranch Chicken Pasta: Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, and hot sauce to create a kick. Include pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Ranch Pasta: Substitute chicken with roasted cauliflower or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based option.
• Gluten-Free Ranch Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure ranch seasoning is certified gluten-free. Check all ingredient labels carefully to maintain dietary restrictions.

Best Pairings for Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta

• Elevate Ranch Chicken Pasta Enjoyment
• Pair with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Its bright acidity and herbal notes complement the creamy ranch sauce, cutting through the richness while enhancing the chicken's flavor.
• Serve with Garlic Roasted Broccoli: The vegetable's slightly charred edges and garlic punch create a perfect contrast to the smooth, cheesy pasta, adding nutritional balance.
• Match with Tangy Cucumber Salad: Light, refreshing cucumber slices dressed in a zesty vinaigrette provide a cool, crisp counterpoint to the warm, creamy pasta dish.
• Select Sparkling Water with Lemon: The effervescence and citrus hint cleanse the palate between bites, preventing the meal from feeling too heavy while refreshing your taste buds.

Storage Tips for Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the pasta remains fresh and flavorful.

Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, keeping it frozen for maximum 2 months; protect against freezer burn by removing excess air.

Sprinkle a few tablespoons of water over the pasta, cover with a microwave-safe lid, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly.

Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying out.

FAQs

• Is Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta spicy?

The recipe is not spicy. It’s a creamy, cheesy dish with ranch seasoning that provides flavor without heat.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape like penne, rotini, or fettuccine. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, choose whole wheat pasta, and add extra vegetables like spinach or broccoli to increase nutrition.

• Do I need fresh parsley for garnish?

Fresh parsley adds nice color and mild flavor, but it’s optional. You can skip it if you don’t have any on hand or prefer plain presentation.

Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta brings restaurant-quality comfort right to home kitchens. Savory chicken and tangy ranch dressing combine in a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, diced
• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set pasta aside.
2. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until shimmering.
3. Sauté chicken for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest briefly.
4. Reduce skillet heat to medium-low. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the same skillet, whisking in ranch seasoning until fully incorporated.
5. Simmer sauce for 4-5 minutes, allowing liquid to slightly thicken. Gradually sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan cheese into sauce, stirring continuously until smooth and creamy.
6. Return cooked chicken to skillet, cutting into bite-sized pieces if desired. Gently fold pasta into sauce, ensuring each strand is evenly coated.
7. Allow mixture to warm through for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Transfer to serving dishes and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Select high-quality ranch seasoning mix for maximum flavor depth and authentic taste profile.
• Consider using whole wheat pasta to boost nutritional value and add nutty undertones to the dish.
• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure lean protein and easier preparation.
• Experiment with Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter, protein-rich alternative that maintains creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg