Sally Winter
Creamy, savory, and loaded with flavor, this Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta is the perfect comfort food for any weeknight dinner. Tender rotini pasta is tossed in a luscious ranch-infused cream sauce and topped with juicy, golden-brown chicken. The aroma of herbs and the creaminess of the sauce make it hard to resist from the very first bite.
This dish combines the familiar tang of Hidden Valley Ranch with the heartiness of pasta and the satisfying protein of pan-seared chicken. It’s a family-friendly recipe that feels like a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta
- Creamy, tangy, and full of herby flavor.
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
- A crowd-pleasing meal that works for family dinners or casual entertaining.
- Comforting and satisfying with a homemade touch.
What Pasta Works Best for This Recipe?
Rotini, penne, or fusilli are excellent choices because their spirals hold onto the creamy ranch sauce beautifully. However, you can also use fettuccine or spaghetti for a classic feel. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works well for a healthier twist.
Ingredients for the Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta
To make this creamy and flavorful pasta, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that bring big flavor to your dinner table. Each ingredient plays a key role in making this recipe a success.
- Rotini Pasta – Holds the creamy ranch sauce perfectly in its twists.
- Chicken Breast – Lean protein that sears beautifully for a golden crust.
- Olive Oil & Butter – Adds richness and helps in searing the chicken.
- Garlic – Provides an aromatic base that elevates the sauce.
- Heavy Cream – Creates the luxurious, creamy texture of the sauce.
- Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning – The star flavor that adds tangy, herby goodness.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds nuttiness and depth to the creamy sauce.
- Fresh Parsley – For garnish and a pop of freshness.
- Salt & Pepper – Essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
How To Make the Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a touch of ranch seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove and rest.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook rotini until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
Step 3: Make the Ranch Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and ranch seasoning, whisking to combine. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, then stir in Parmesan until smooth.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing until coated. Slice the rested chicken and place on top. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Serving and Storing Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta
This pasta dish is best served fresh and hot, right after tossing the pasta in the creamy ranch sauce. It comfortably feeds 4 people, making it ideal for a family dinner or a cozy meal with friends.
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life. Freezing is not recommended as cream-based sauces can separate.
What to Serve With Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta?
Garlic Bread
A buttery, garlicky loaf is the perfect sidekick for soaking up that luscious sauce.
Caesar Salad
The crisp romaine and tangy Caesar dressing complement the creamy pasta beautifully.
Steamed Broccoli
A simple green vegetable side adds balance and freshness to the rich meal.
Roasted Asparagus
Tender, roasted asparagus spears bring a lightly smoky flavor to the table.
Caprese Salad
Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil add a burst of bright flavor and color.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Oven-roasted Brussels sprouts with a bit of olive oil create a nutty, caramelized side.
Lemon Iced Tea
A refreshing beverage that cuts through the richness of the creamy pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked.
2. Can I use store-bought ranch dressing instead of seasoning?
While you can, the sauce may be thinner. Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning gives the most concentrated flavor for this dish.
3. How can I make this recipe lighter?
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half and reduce the Parmesan slightly. You can also use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.
4. How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Reserve some pasta water and add a splash if the sauce thickens too much during tossing.
5. Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
Absolutely! Spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms are great additions for flavor and color.
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I’d love to hear how yours turned out. Did you add veggies or extra cheese? Did you try it with penne instead of rotini?
Share your tweaks in the comments—I love seeing how others make these meals their own!
Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Skillet
- Pot
- Strainer
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and a little ranch seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken 5-6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and rest.
- Boil rotini in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
- Sauté garlic in the same skillet for 30 seconds. Add heavy cream and ranch seasoning, whisking well. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, then stir in Parmesan until smooth.
- Toss pasta with the sauce. Slice chicken and place on top. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.