Description
This Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish made with tender chicken, penne pasta, and a rich ranch-infused sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Mix well and let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the sauce. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
Swap penne with rotini or fettuccine for a different texture.
Add steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
For a lighter version, replace part of the heavy cream with half-and-half.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or mozzarella for extra meltiness.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Freezing is not recommended as cream-based sauces may separate.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
