Description
This Irresistibly Creamy Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy ranch sauce, and perfectly cooked rotini pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz Rotini Pasta (or penne or fusilli)
Sauce
- 2 tbsp Butter (or olive oil for a lighter taste)
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (Greek yogurt can lighten it up)
- 1 cup Milk (low-fat or non-dairy milk works too)
- 1 pkg Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning (for flavor)
Chicken
- 2 pieces Chicken Breasts (or turkey or tofu as substitutes)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (or fresh garlic for stronger flavor)
- 1 tsp Black Pepper (adjust according to taste)
Garnish
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (or basil or chives)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Season sliced chicken breasts with 1 tsp garlic powder and 1 tsp black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add 8 oz cream cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. Gradually pour in 1 cup milk, stirring until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.
- Flavor the sauce: Stir in one package of Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Cook the sauce on low heat for another minute to blend the flavors.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss it with the ranch sauce and chicken until evenly coated.
- Serve and garnish: Plate the creamy ranch chicken pasta in bowls and garnish with 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley or your choice of basil or chives for a fresh finish.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken breast with turkey or tofu for a different protein option.
- For a lighter version, use olive oil instead of butter and substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
- Adjust garlic and black pepper quantities to suit your taste preference.
- Use low-fat or non-dairy milk to make this recipe dairy-friendly.
- Fresh herbs like basil or chives can be used instead of parsley for garnish.
