Get ready to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta! Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luxuriously smooth ranch-infused cheese sauce that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. This irresistible dish combines the classic American flavors of ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, and juicy chicken into one incredible meal that's ready in just 30 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add penne pasta to boiling water and cook according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain pasta and set aside.
- Season diced chicken breast with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Cook chicken pieces in the skillet, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add broccoli florets and sauté for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in heavy cream. Sprinkle ranch dressing mix evenly into the cream, whisking to combine.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese to the cream mixture, stirring continuously until cheese melts and sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet and add drained pasta. Gently toss everything together until pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the creamy ranch sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use freshly shredded cheddar cheese instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese. It melts more smoothly and provides a richer taste.
- Make sure to cook your chicken until it's golden brown to develop a delicious caramelized exterior that adds depth to the dish.
- Don't overcook the broccoli - keep it bright green and slightly crisp for the best texture and nutritional value.
- If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a little pasta water before adding the chicken and pasta back in.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding some garlic powder or dried herbs like parsley or chives to the ranch sauce.
- Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken and coat the pasta and chicken evenly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 130mg
