Imagine a dish that combines the creamy richness of ranch, the hearty satisfaction of perfectly cooked pasta, and the savory goodness of tender chicken - all wrapped up in a cheesy, mouthwatering masterpiece. This Cheesy Ranch Chicken Pasta is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! In just 30 minutes, you can transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dinner that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of pasta, 2 cups of cooked and diced chicken, 1 cup of ranch dressing, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pasta of your choice and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the ranch dressing, milk, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup). Stir well to combine.
- Continue to cook the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through and the cheese has melted into a creamy consistency. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and return it to the pot. Add the diced chicken to the pasta, mixing gently to combine.
- Pour the creamy ranch sauce over the pasta and chicken mixture. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. You can adjust the seasoning based on your preference.
- Cook the combined pasta and sauce mixture over low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Once heated through, remove the pot from the heat. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top and cover the pot for a few minutes to let the cheese melt.
- After the cheese has melted, serve the Cheesy Ranch Chicken Pasta warm, garnished with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Cook your pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Chicken Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time without compromising flavor.
- Cheese Melting Hack: For extra smooth cheese sauce, grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded varieties, which can contain anti-caking agents.
- Flavor Boost: Add a sprinkle of dried herbs like parsley or chives for an extra layer of flavor and a pop of color.
- Make It Your Own: Experiment with different cheese blends or add some vegetables like broccoli or spinach for additional nutrition.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little pasta water. If it's too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes.Pro tip: This recipe is incredibly versatile, so don't be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 110mg
