Description
This Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish combining tender chicken, pasta, and a rich ranch-flavored sauce. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal, it features juicy chicken pieces cooked in a skillet with hidden valley ranch seasoning, combined with pasta and a creamy ranch-heavy cream sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and fresh parsley for a delicious finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup ranch dressing (preferably Hidden Valley)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
Optional Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until they are browned on the outside and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add Seasoning: Sprinkle the Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix evenly over the cooked chicken. Stir well to coat all pieces thoroughly with the seasoning.
- Create Sauce: Lower the heat to low. Pour in the ranch dressing and heavy cream to the skillet with the chicken. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce cook for 3-5 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to ensure the pasta is well coated in the creamy ranch sauce.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If using mozzarella cheese, sprinkle it over the pasta and chicken mixture. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes extra creamy.
- Season to Taste: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more salt, pepper, or ranch dressing according to your preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta.
Notes
- Use a pasta shape that holds sauce well such as penne or rotini for best results.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Vegetables like steamed broccoli or peas can be added for extra nutrition and color.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Adjust seasoning gradually to suit your taste preferences.
