If you’re looking for a creamy, comforting dish that’s sure to hit the spot, this Ranch Chicken Pasta is exactly what you need. Imagine perfectly cooked chicken, pasta smothered in a tangy, creamy ranch sauce, and a sprinkle of cheese to top it all off. This dish is so indulgent and delicious, you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). It’s the kind of dish you can whip up after a long day and still feel like you’ve treated yourself to something special.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why this Ranch Chicken Pasta will become a favorite in your kitchen:
- Quick & Easy: This dish comes together in no time! A simple combination of pantry staples, and you’ve got yourself a rich and flavorful meal.
- Creamy Goodness: The creamy ranch sauce is the real star here—it’s tangy, smooth, and perfectly coats the pasta and chicken. You won’t be able to resist!
- Comforting & Filling: The combination of pasta and chicken makes this dish hearty and satisfying. It’s the ultimate comfort food.
- Customizable: Feel free to add in your favorite veggies, like spinach, peas, or even some crispy bacon for extra flavor. This recipe is easy to adapt to whatever you have on hand!
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a family dinner or a dinner party, this dish is a guaranteed hit. It’s creamy, flavorful, and everyone will love it!
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this creamy, dreamy Ranch Chicken Pasta:
- Chicken Breast: Tender, juicy chicken breast is the perfect protein for this pasta. It’s seared to perfection, then tossed in with the sauce.
- Pasta: Use your favorite kind of pasta—penne, rotini, or spaghetti all work well. Cooked until al dente to soak up that delicious sauce.
- Ranch Dressing Mix: The star ingredient! This gives the sauce its signature tangy flavor.
- Heavy Cream: For the creamy base that makes this pasta so rich and comforting.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is what brings this whole dish together with its salty, nutty kick.
- Olive Oil: For searing the chicken and adding a little flavor to the dish.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth to the ranch dressing sauce.
- Salt & Pepper: To season everything perfectly.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get started on making this creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta:
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until it’s cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside to rest before slicing it into strips.
- Make the Ranch Sauce: In the same skillet, add the heavy cream and ranch dressing mix. Stir and cook over medium heat for a couple of minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the ranch sauce until it’s fully coated.
- Add Chicken: Place the sliced chicken on top of the pasta and gently toss everything together. If you’d like, you can also sprinkle a little more Parmesan on top for extra cheesy goodness.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve immediately with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, extra cheese, or a side salad for a complete meal.
How to Serve Ranch Chicken Pasta
This dish is amazing on its own, but you can pair it with these sides to make it even more satisfying:
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is the perfect side to mop up the creamy ranch sauce.
- Crisp Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette is a great way to balance out the richness of the pasta.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, peas, or even roasted carrots would add a pop of color and freshness to your meal.
Additional Tips
- Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ranch sauce.
- Add Veggies: This dish is versatile—toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or peas to make it even heartier.
- Use Leftover Chicken: If you’ve got some leftover chicken from another meal, use it here to save time!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different dressing mix?
A1: Sure! If you don’t have ranch, you can try using a zesty Italian dressing mix for a different flavor profile.
Q2: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A2: Absolutely! Penne, rotini, fusilli—any pasta shape works well with this creamy sauce.
Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can! Cook the pasta and chicken, then store the ranch sauce separately. When you’re ready to serve, combine everything and heat it up.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of cream if needed.
Q5: Can I make this without heavy cream?
A5: Yes, you can use milk or a dairy-free alternative, though it may be a little less creamy.
Q6: Can I add bacon to this dish?
A6: Oh, absolutely! Crispy bacon crumbles would add a savory crunch that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Q7: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A7: Yes! It’s mild in flavor and creamy, so it’s a hit with kids. You can adjust the seasoning to make it even milder if needed.
Q8: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A8: Yes, you can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time. Just shred it and add it to the sauce at the end.
Q9: Can I freeze this dish?
A9: Yes, you can freeze the pasta and sauce separately. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! Just make sure to use a large enough skillet or divide it between two pans. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly.
Conclusion
Ranch Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that’s quick and easy to make, yet full of flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just enjoying a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to be a winner. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every bite of this cheesy, creamy, ranch-filled pasta!
Print
Ranch Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta, Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: A
Description
A creamy and flavorful pasta dish with tender chicken and a ranch seasoning sauce. Quick and easy for a weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning Mix
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream and Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning Mix until smooth.
- Combine:
- Pour the cream mixture into the skillet with the chicken and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
- Add Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Finish and Serve:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Add Veggies: Include chopped broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms along with the chicken.
- Creamy Alternative: Use a combination of heavy cream and milk for a slightly lighter sauce.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Bacon Bits: Crumble cooked bacon over the finished pasta for extra flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg