Description
This Indulgent Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish made in just 30 minutes. Featuring tender chicken breast and rotini pasta enveloped in a rich ranch seasoning cream sauce, it’s a perfect quick dinner that combines comfort food with fresh herbs. The recipe uses simple ingredients like cream cheese, butter, and milk to create a luscious sauce, making it an irresistible family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz Rotini Pasta (or penne/fusilli if unavailable)
- 2 tbsp Butter (or olive oil for a lighter alternative)
- 1 lb Chicken Breast (can substitute with turkey or tofu)
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder (or fresh garlic)
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (or white pepper for milder flavor)
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (Greek yogurt as a lighter option)
- 1 cup Milk (low-fat or almond milk)
- 1 pkg Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning (or homemade ranch seasoning)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (or basil/chives)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Season sliced chicken breasts with garlic powder and black pepper. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and keep the skillet on the stove. Add 8 oz of cream cheese to the leftover butter and drippings in the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Milk Gradually: Slowly pour in 1 cup of milk while stirring constantly to make a creamy, lump-free sauce.
- Incorporate Ranch Seasoning: Stir in the packet of Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning and cook for 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Combine All Ingredients: Add the drained rotini pasta and cooked chicken back to the skillet. Gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated with the creamy ranch sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta for a fresh herbal note and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breast with turkey or tofu for a different protein option.
- For a lighter variation, replace butter with olive oil and use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese.
- Use low-fat or almond milk as an alternative to whole milk to reduce calories.
- Fresh parsley can be swapped with basil or chives based on your preference.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
