Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta

If you’re looking for a creamy, comforting, and flavorful dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds, then Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta is a recipe you absolutely need to try. This dish brings together the creamy goodness of ranch dressing, tender chicken, and pasta, creating a dreamy, indulgent combination that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that feels like a cozy hug on your plate. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be a regular in your dinner rotation!

Why You’ll Love Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta

• Creamy and Flavorful: The Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix is the secret ingredient here, turning this simple pasta dish into a creamy, flavorful masterpiece.
• Quick and Easy: You don’t need hours in the kitchen to create this dish. It’s super quick and easy, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
• Hearty and Filling: Chicken and pasta come together to create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for hungry bellies. It’s filling, but not heavy—just the right amount of comfort.
• Kid-Friendly: With its mild, creamy flavor, this dish is perfect for kids and adults alike. It’s an instant family favorite.
• Customizable: You can easily add your favorite veggies or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. Want to make it spicier? Add some red pepper flakes. Need a veggie boost? Throw in some spinach or broccoli!

Ingredients in Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible chicken pasta:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great choice. They cook quickly and stay juicy, making them perfect for this dish.
• Pasta: Any pasta works here, but penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta are great choices. Choose your favorite shape!
• Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix: This is the star ingredient that gives the dish its creamy, tangy flavor. Make sure to grab the seasoning mix, not the pre-made dressing.
• Heavy Cream: To make the sauce rich and creamy.
• Garlic: Adds a fragrant, savory note that pairs wonderfully with the ranch seasoning.
• Chicken Broth: Helps thin out the sauce and adds extra flavor.
• Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, umami flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, ensuring the flavors are perfectly balanced.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are available in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to make this creamy chicken pasta? Let’s dive in:

Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a pot of water and cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is cooked, drain and set it aside.

Cook the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper, then cook them in the skillet for about 6-7 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.

Make the Ranch Sauce

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Then, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Add the Cheese

Once the sauce is simmering, stir in the parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.

Combine the Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce

Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy ranch sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if you like. This dish is rich, creamy, and utterly delicious!

How to Serve Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta

• With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette is the perfect balance to this creamy pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Serve this dish with a slice of garlic bread or crusty baguette to soak up the creamy ranch sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Add some steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas on the side for a boost of color and nutrients.
• Topped with Extra Cheese: If you love cheese, go ahead and sprinkle more parmesan or even mozzarella on top before serving.

Additional Tips

• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or top it off with some spicy jalapeños.
• Add Veggies: To make it even more hearty, add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or peas to the pasta.
• Use Leftover Chicken: This is a great recipe for using up leftover chicken. Simply shred or cube the chicken and toss it into the sauce.
• Add a Lemon Twist: For a little extra zing, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the pasta just before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: 450
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 850mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 27g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! Any pasta shape will work here. Penne, fusilli, bowtie, or spaghetti would all be delicious.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prep everything in advance and just reheat it when ready to serve. If you’re reheating, you may need to add a little extra chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce.

Q3: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A3: Yes, if you don’t have parmesan, you can use mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor. Just make sure to choose a cheese that melts well.

Q4: Can I make this dish without chicken?
A4: Definitely! You can leave the chicken out for a vegetarian version or swap it with tofu, shrimp, or even a plant-based protein.

Q5: Can I make this lighter?
A5: To make it lighter, you can use lighter versions of cream or chicken broth, and opt for a reduced-fat ranch seasoning mix. You can also cut down on the amount of cheese used.

Q6: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A6: Yes, this pasta freezes well! Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce.

Q7: Can I use the bottled ranch dressing instead of the seasoning mix?
A7: You can, but using the seasoning mix is recommended because it gives you better control over the flavor. If you do use bottled dressing, reduce the amount of cream to avoid making the sauce too runny.

Q8: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A8: Yes! You can cook the chicken in a slow cooker, then make the sauce on the stovetop and combine everything at the end. It’s a great option for meal prep.

Q9: How do I reheat this dish?
A9: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If it’s too thick, add a little chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.

Q10: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A10: Yes! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas would all be great additions to the dish. Add them to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

This Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that hits all the right notes—creamy, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this pasta is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

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