Description
This Irresistibly Creamy Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy ranch-infused sauce, and perfectly cooked rotini pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz Rotini Pasta (or penne or fusilli)
Protein
- 2 pieces Chicken Breasts (or turkey or tofu as substitutes)
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)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (or fresh garlic for stronger flavor)
- 1 tsp Black Pepper (adjust according to taste)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (or basil or chives)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the sliced chicken breasts with garlic powder and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese fully melts and blends with the butter. Gradually pour in the milk while stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Flavor the Sauce: Stir in the Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Let the sauce cook on low heat for an additional minute to develop flavor.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to ensure every piece of pasta is evenly coated with the creamy ranch sauce.
- Serve: Divide the creamy ranch chicken pasta into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with turkey or tofu for different protein options.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter sauce.
- Low-fat or non-dairy milk varieties work well for a dairy-free alternative.
- Fresh garlic can replace garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavor.
- Pasta shape like penne or fusilli can be used instead of rotini.
- Adjust black pepper and ranch seasoning to taste for preferred spice level.
