Name: Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless; 8 oz rotini pasta; 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix; 4 oz cream cheese; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter; 1 cup milk; Salt and pepper, to taste

Get ready to meet your new favorite comfort food: Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta. This dish brings together the rich creaminess of ranch dressing with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rotini pasta. Whether you’re craving a cozy family dinner or need a hearty meal to impress guests, this creamy chicken pasta is sure to satisfy.

What makes this pasta dish stand out is its simplicity and flavor-packed sauce. The ranch seasoning melds with cream cheese and shredded cheese to create a velvety texture that hugs every twist of the pasta. Add in seared chicken for a satisfying bite, and you’ve got a dinner recipe that’s both easy and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta

This recipe hits all the right notes for a comforting, delicious, and hassle-free meal. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of ranch flavor that your whole family will crave. Plus, it’s a great way to use pantry staples and leftover chicken if you’re looking to stretch a weeknight meal into something special.

You can also easily customize it with vegetables or different pasta shapes, making it versatile for picky eaters or creative cooks alike. The whole dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta, preparation is minimal but the right tools make all the difference:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: Essential for searing the chicken and combining all the ingredients. A non-stick or cast-iron skillet helps with even browning.
Pot for Boiling Pasta: A deep pot with salted water ensures your rotini cooks to al dente perfection.
Tongs or Spatula: Helps with flipping chicken pieces for even cooking.
Whisk: Perfect for creating a smooth sauce when mixing cream cheese and ranch seasoning.
Colander: For draining the pasta.

Each tool plays a key role in bringing this creamy, savory pasta together without fuss.

Ingredients for the Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta

Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast provides a lean, tender protein that soaks up all the ranch flavor.
Rotini Pasta: The spirals hold the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is coated.
Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning Mix: The hero of this dish, delivering that signature tangy and herby flavor.
Cream Cheese: Gives the sauce its creamy, rich texture.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a gooey, melty finish to the sauce.
Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory notes and complements the ranch.
Olive Oil or Butter: Used for searing the chicken and adding flavor depth.
Milk: Helps thin out the sauce while keeping it smooth and creamy.
Salt & Pepper: Basic seasoning to balance the dish.

How To Make the Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breast with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Sear each side for about 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Ranch Sauce

In the same skillet used for chicken, lower the heat and add cream cheese and milk. Stir gently until melted and smooth. Whisk in the Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning and garlic powder until the sauce is fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy ranch sauce.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Cheese

Return sliced chicken to the skillet and sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts and the dish is warmed through.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra cheese if desired.

Best Way to Serve and Store Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta

This pasta is best served warm, straight from the skillet when the cheese is gooey and the sauce is silky. Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of extra cheddar or fresh parsley adds a colorful finishing touch.

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the creaminess. Avoid microwaving too long, as it can overcook the pasta and dry out the sauce.

For freezing, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, or even bowtie pasta work just as well. Choose a shape that holds sauce nicely.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

You can substitute with heavy cream or a combination of sour cream and shredded cheese for a similar creamy texture.

Is this dish spicy?

Nope! It’s mild and family-friendly. But you can add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños if you want to bring the heat.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it’s a great make-ahead meal. Just store the sauce and pasta separately and combine when reheating to maintain texture.

What vegetables can I add?

Broccoli, spinach, or peas pair well with the creamy sauce and add a pop of color and nutrition.

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Definitely! Just skip the searing step and add the shredded rotisserie chicken when mixing everything together.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta, you’ll definitely enjoy diving into these flavor-packed favorites next:

Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti for an ultra-comforting baked twist.
One-Pot Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta if you love a bold kick.
Creamy One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini for creamy goodness with minimal cleanup.
Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for a fun spin on traditional pasta.
One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne if you want sweet and savory in one bite.

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