Description
This Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender chicken breast pieces with a rich ranch dressing and heavy cream sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe brings the classic taste of Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning together with pasta and melted mozzarella for an indulgent dish that’s easy to prepare in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Seasoning
- 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 cup ranch dressing (preferably Hidden Valley)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to be combined later.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add ranch seasoning: Sprinkle the Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix over the cooked chicken, stirring well to evenly coat the meat.
- Make the sauce: Lower the heat to low and pour the ranch dressing and heavy cream into the skillet. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until the sauce is fully heated and has thickened slightly.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss thoroughly to ensure all pasta is coated with the creamy ranch mixture.
- Add cheese: If using, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and cook briefly until the cheese melts completely and blends into the sauce, making it extra creamy.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or ranch dressing as desired.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top if desired, and serve the dish hot for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Choose a sturdy pasta like penne or rotini to hold the creamy sauce well.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Adding mozzarella cheese is optional but adds a delightful creamy texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for an added burst of color and freshness.
