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- 2 chicken breasts, diced - 8 oz pasta of choice (penne or rotini work well) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 packet ranch dressing mix The main ingredients set the base for this creamy delight. I like to use chicken breasts for their tender texture. You can choose your favorite pasta, but penne or rotini hold the sauce well. The heavy cream gives a rich flavor, while the ranch dressing mix adds that signature taste. - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste Adding vegetables makes this dish colorful and healthy. Cherry tomatoes burst with flavor, and spinach adds nutrients. Olive oil helps cook the chicken and adds richness. Seasoning is key; garlic powder and onion powder enhance the taste. Don’t forget salt and pepper for balance! - Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped Garnishes make your dish look great and add extra flavor. Grated Parmesan cheese gives a salty kick. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Together, these garnishes elevate your creamy ranch chicken pasta. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add a good amount of salt. This enhances the pasta's flavor. 2. Once boiling, add 8 oz of your choice of pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. 1. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil for flavor. 2. Dice 2 chicken breasts and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. 3. Add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes. Look for it to turn golden brown and be fully cooked through. 1. When the chicken is done, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of roughly chopped spinach to the skillet. 2. Sauté these for 2-3 minutes. You want the spinach to wilt and the tomatoes to soften. 3. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and add 1 packet of ranch dressing mix. Stir this mix well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This will thicken the sauce nicely. 1. Once your sauce is ready, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss it all together until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy ranch sauce. 2. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm everything through. This final step ensures all flavors meld beautifully. To make tender chicken, start with fresh breasts. Cut them into small pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Use a hot skillet and avoid crowding the pan. This keeps the chicken from steaming. Season the chicken well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This adds great flavor right from the start. If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. Stir well for a smooth texture. If it's too thin, let it simmer longer. This helps it thicken nicely. To boost the flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or some grated Parmesan. Both will enhance the ranch taste. Pair your creamy ranch chicken pasta with a crisp side salad. A simple mix of greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes works well. For a fun twist, try garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks. When plating, sprinkle extra Parmesan and fresh parsley on top. This adds color and makes the dish look fancy! Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: To ensure your pasta is perfectly cooked, always add it to boiling water and salt the water generously. This enhances the flavor of the pasta. Seasoning the Chicken: Make sure to season your chicken well before cooking. This not only adds flavor but also helps to create a nice crust. Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a bit longer after adding the heavy cream and ranch dressing mix, stirring occasionally. Fresh Herbs: For an added burst of flavor, consider using fresh herbs like basil or dill in addition to parsley for garnish. {{image_2}} You can change up the veggies in this dish for new flavors. Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli for a colorful twist. When it’s summer, use fresh corn or asparagus. In the fall, roasted butternut squash adds sweetness and warmth. Mixing in seasonal veggies keeps the dish fresh and exciting. If you want to switch from chicken, shrimp works great in this recipe. Cook it the same way as chicken for a quick meal. Tofu is also a tasty choice. Use firm tofu and sauté it until golden. Both shrimp and tofu soak up the creamy ranch sauce well. For gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta made from rice or quinoa. These types cook well and taste great with the sauce. If you need a dairy-free sauce, use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. These swaps keep the dish creamy while meeting your dietary needs. To store your creamy ranch chicken pasta, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. This helps keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to reheat, use the microwave or a skillet. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or cream. This keeps the pasta moist. You can also freeze creamy ranch chicken pasta. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a little cream if it seems dry. This will help bring back its creamy texture. Yes, you can use many types of pasta. Some great options include: - Penne - Rotini - Fusilli - Farfalle Each type will give a fun twist to your dish. Just follow the cooking times on the package. To add heat, try these ideas: - Mix in red pepper flakes while cooking. - Add diced jalapeños to the chicken. - Use a spicy ranch dressing mix. These options will give your creamy ranch chicken pasta a nice kick. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. Here are some tips: - Store in airtight containers to keep it fresh. - Keep the pasta and sauce separate until ready to eat. - This dish lasts 3-4 days in the fridge. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. For sides, consider: - Garlic bread for a crunchy bite. - A fresh salad with a light dressing. - Steamed broccoli to add some greens. These sides will balance the meal and make it more filling. This blog post covered all you need to make creamy ranch chicken pasta. We looked at key ingredients like chicken, pasta, and creamy dressing. You learned step-by-step cooking tips and how to tweak the recipe to your taste. Remember, you can swap proteins or vegetables based on what you like. Don’t shy away from leftovers; they can be just as tasty. With these insights, you can create a fun and flavorful meal anytime. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with this easy recipe!

Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta

A delicious pasta dish featuring diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and a creamy ranch sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces chicken breasts, diced
  • 8 oz pasta of choice (penne or rotini work well)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 packet ranch dressing mix
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring 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, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for about 6-7 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
  • Once the chicken is cooked, add the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped spinach to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the ranch dressing mix. Stir well to combine and simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well-coated in the creamy ranch sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
  • Plate the creamy ranch chicken pasta and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Notes

Feel free to add other vegetables or protein as desired.
Keyword chicken, creamy, dinner, pasta, ranch