Description
Indulge in this comforting Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta that combines tender chicken with a rich ranch sauce, enveloping perfectly cooked pasta for a delightful family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add to the pan. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest.
- In the same skillet, if needed, add more butter. Sprinkle in garlic powder and ranch dressing mix. Pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously until combined and slightly thickened.
- Slice rested chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet along with cooked pasta. Toss everything together until coated in sauce.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the pasta.
- Transfer to plates or bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently with a splash of milk if needed.