Get ready to delight your taste buds with my Creamy Chicken Ranch Pasta, the ideal quick meal for any busy night! This dish is packed with flavor and simple ingredients, making it a go-to recipe for comfort food lovers. In just one pot, you'll create a creamy sauce that perfectly coats penne pasta, chicken, and veggies. Click through to explore the full recipe and experience this deliciousness for yourself!
2 cups penne pasta
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream)
1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh spinach, packed
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
![To make creamy chicken ranch pasta, you need: - 2 cups penne pasta - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream (or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream) - 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach, packed - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish These ingredients create a rich and flavorful dish. You can find the full recipe above for all the steps. You can swap ingredients if you like. Here are some ideas: - Pasta: Use any pasta shape you prefer, like fettuccine or rotini. - Chicken: Try turkey or cooked shredded chicken for a quick option. - Heavy cream: Coconut cream is a great dairy-free choice. - Ranch seasoning: Make your own mix with herbs like dill, garlic, and onion powder. These swaps can change the taste and texture, so feel free to experiment! This dish offers a hearty meal with balanced nutrients. Here’s a rough idea of what you get per serving: - Calories: 600 - Protein: 35g - Carbohydrates: 60g - Fat: 25g - Fiber: 3g This meal is filling and comforting. You can adjust the ingredients to fit your dietary needs, making it a great choice for many! Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a generous amount of salt to the water. This step adds flavor to the pasta. When the water is at a rolling boil, add 2 cups of penne pasta. Cook according to the package directions until it is al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once the pasta is done, drain it in a colander. Set it aside, and let it wait for its creamy fate. Grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat up. When the oil shimmers, it’s time to add the chicken. Use 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes. Stir it occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly. You want the chicken to turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This step ensures your chicken is juicy and safe to eat. Now, it’s time to make the sauce. Carefully pour in 1 cup of chicken broth into the skillet. Stir the mixture to lift any tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Allow the broth to come to a gentle simmer, which brings out its flavors. Next, add 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix. Stir until everything blends well. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes. It should start to thicken. This creates that rich, creamy texture we all love. Afterward, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss it gently in the creamy ranch sauce until it is fully coated. Now, fold in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of fresh spinach. Cook for an extra 2-3 minutes. The spinach will wilt, adding a nice touch to the dish. Finally, stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, enhancing the flavor of your dish. If you want more details or to explore the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Enjoy your creamy chicken ranch pasta! To make the sauce super creamy, use heavy cream. If you want a lighter option, try coconut cream. When you add the cream, keep the heat low. This helps it blend well with the broth. Stir gently to mix in the ranch seasoning evenly. If you want more flavor, add extra cheese at the end. Store leftovers in an airtight container. Let the pasta cool before you cover it. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to freeze it, use freezer-safe bags. Just remember, pasta can get mushy when reheated. To avoid this, eat it within a month. Timing is key for a great meal. Start boiling the pasta while you prep the chicken. This way, both finish at the same time. Once the chicken is cooked, add the broth and cream. Let it simmer while the pasta cooks. This ensures everything is hot and ready to serve together. For the best taste, serve right after cooking. For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Chicken Ranch Pasta Delight. Enjoy your cooking! {{image_4}} You can add a kick to your creamy chicken ranch pasta. Just toss in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking the chicken. This little change gives your dish a nice heat. If you love spice, feel free to add more! The creamy sauce will balance the heat well. If you want a vegetarian option, swap out the chicken for tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess water. Then, cut it into cubes and sauté it like you would the chicken. Season it with the same spices for great flavor. This version is just as creamy and tasty. Plus, it's a great way to enjoy a meat-free meal. You can use any pasta shape you like. Penne is great, but you can try fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Each shape will hold the sauce differently. For example, fusilli catches more sauce in its twists. Experiment with different shapes to find your favorite! You can find the full recipe for creamy chicken ranch pasta [here]. After you enjoy your creamy chicken ranch pasta, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let the dish cool before covering it. The pasta keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, check for any changes in smell or texture before reheating. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze this dish. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Be sure to leave some space for expansion. Creamy chicken ranch pasta can last up to three months in the freezer. To prevent freezer burn, wrap the container in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When you are ready to enjoy your pasta again, thaw it in the fridge overnight if frozen. You can reheat it on the stove over low heat. Stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream to help it stay creamy. If you prefer, you can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming. Enjoy your meal just as much as you did the first time! Yes, you can use whole wheat pasta. It adds fiber and a nutty taste. The cooking time may vary, so check the package instructions. Whole wheat pasta is a great choice for a healthier meal. You can replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Both options give a creamy texture. If you prefer a lighter option, use Greek yogurt. Just stir it in at the end to avoid curdling. Creamy Chicken Ranch Pasta lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed. For the best taste, enjoy it fresh! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Now you know how to make Creamy Chicken Ranch Pasta easily. We covered the essential ingredients, how to prepare them, and tips for the creamiest sauce. You learned variations and storage info to keep your meal fresh. Cooking should be fun and simple. Try these steps, and enjoy a tasty dish with family or friends. You have all the tools you need, so get cooking!](https://eataroundit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/1fb99d9b-707d-43a4-b2db-bf7ed4dba5ab-250x250.webp)