why make this recipe
Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta is a delicious and comforting meal that everyone loves. This recipe combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful ranch seasoning, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It’s quick to prepare, and the easy steps mean you can enjoy a hearty dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
how to make Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
- Sprinkle Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning over the chicken; stir well and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth; simmer until slightly thickened (3-5 minutes).
- Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Toss cooked penne pasta into the sauce; heat through for an additional 2 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
how to serve Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta
To serve Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta, spoon the creamy pasta onto plates or into bowls. Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch. You can serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish is great for both casual family dinners and special occasions.
how to store Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta
Store any leftovers of Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if it gets too thick.
tips to make Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta
- For a bit of spice, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the chicken while cooking.
- You can use different types of pasta, such as rotini or bowtie, depending on your preference.
- To make it lighter, you can substitute light cream or Greek yogurt for heavy cream.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
variation
You can easily customize this recipe by using different proteins like shrimp or turkey. If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and add more veggies or use chickpeas for added protein.
FAQs
Can I use a different brand of ranch seasoning?
Yes, you can use any ranch seasoning mix you like. Just adjust the amount to your taste.
Is it possible to freeze Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta?
While it’s not recommended to freeze the dish, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately. Just keep in mind that the pasta may not have the same texture when reheated.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta in advance. Keep them stored separately in the fridge and combine them right before serving for the best texture.
Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta
A delicious and comforting pasta dish combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful ranch seasoning.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
- Sprinkle Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning over the chicken; stir well and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth; simmer until slightly thickened (3-5 minutes).
- Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Toss cooked penne pasta into the sauce; heat through for an additional 2 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
For a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can use different types of pasta and substitute light cream or yogurt for heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
