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Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta

This Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta is comforting, easy, and delicious. It's perfect for busy weeknights and uses simple ingredients for a nostalgic, creamy, and cheesy meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta: Or any pasta shape you love! Rotini, farfalle, or even spaghetti works wonderfully.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil For sautéing our chicken to golden perfection.
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer!
  • 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix This is the magic ingredient that brings all the flavor.
  • 1 cup heavy cream For that luxurious, creamy sauce we all crave.
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth Helps to thin out the sauce just enough and adds depth of flavor.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Because cheese makes everything better, right?
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds a salty, nutty depth to the sauce.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste To season everything perfectly.
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) A little pop of green and freshness!

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet

Method
 

  1. First things first, get your pasta cooking according to the package directions. Once it's perfectly al dente, drain it and set it aside. Don’t rinse it; that starchy water helps the sauce cling beautifully!
  2. While the pasta is doing its thing, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your diced chicken breast and cook it until it’s nicely browned and cooked all the way through. I like to make sure there are no pink bits left, for safety and flavor!
  3. Now for the flavor explosion! Sprinkle the Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix over the cooked chicken. Then, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Give it a good stir and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. You'll see it start to thicken into a beautiful, creamy sauce. This is where the magic truly happens, transforming simple ingredients into something so special.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring gently until all that glorious cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety. Oh, the aroma in your kitchen right now must be incredible!
  5. Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy ranch sauce. Toss everything together until every single piece of pasta is coated in that delicious sauce. Make sure every nook and cranny gets some of that goodness!
  6. Give it a final taste and add a pinch of salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Enjoy every single creamy, cheesy bite!

Notes

Want to switch things up or add a little extra pizzazz? You absolutely can! Veggies: Feel free to toss in some steamed broccoli florets, sautéed mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture. Protein: Leftover rotisserie chicken or even pre-cooked chicken sausage can be used in a pinch. Spice: If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick. Creaminess: For an even richer sauce, you can add a dollop of cream cheese along with the heavy cream. Healthier Option: While not quite the same, you could experiment with using milk and a cornstarch slurry for a lighter sauce, or try adding Greek yogurt for tang and protein.
Tips for Success: Don't Overcook the Pasta: Pasta continues to cook slightly when tossed in the sauce, so aim for al dente. Low Heat for Cheese: Adding cheese over low heat prevents it from becoming oily or clumpy. Prep Ahead: You can dice your chicken and measure out your ingredients earlier in the day to make assembly even faster. Seasoning Packet: While Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning is classic, feel free to experiment with other flavored ranch packets if you find them!