Introduction
Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I want to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes: Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta. This dish holds a special place in my heart as it reminds me of cozy family dinners and the comforting aroma that fills my kitchen. Trust me, once you taste this creamy and flavorful pasta, you’ll understand why it has become a staple in my household. So, let’s dive in and discover the magic of Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta!
Why You’ll Love This
I make this dish whenever I crave a comforting and satisfying meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. My family goes crazy for this because it combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy ranch sauce that’s packed with delicious flavors. Plus, it’s versatile and allows for some creative twists and substitutions. So, let’s gather our ingredients and get cooking!
Ingredients
For this delightful Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta, you’ll need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 250g pasta (your choice, but I recommend penne or fusilli)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes or add some colorful vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to elevate the nutritional value of this dish. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
Directions
1. Start by cooking the pasta according to the instructions on the package, until it reaches al dente perfection. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, let’s prepare the chicken. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until they are fully cooked and nicely browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
4. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they become fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix. Mix everything together until well combined.
7. Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips and add them back into the skillet. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8. Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it gently to coat it evenly with the creamy ranch sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until everything is heated through.
9. Serve your Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta hot, garnished with some freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of freshness and color.
Notes and Variations
Don’t worry if the sauce looks a bit thin at first. As it simmers, it will thicken and coat the pasta beautifully. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Feel free to experiment with different proteins too! Swap the chicken with shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian option. This dish is incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. The crusty bread is perfect for sopping up any extra sauce, and the salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. It’s a complete meal that will satisfy your taste buds!
Pro Tips
One lesson I’ve learned from experience: don’t rush the cooking of the chicken. Make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it back to the skillet. Cutting it into thin strips allows it to absorb more flavor from the sauce and ensures every bite is tender and delicious.
Another thing I discovered is that this dish tastes even better the next day! The flavors have a chance to mingle and intensify, creating an even more delectable experience. So, don’t hesitate to make a little extra and enjoy it as leftovers.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different brand of ranch dressing mix?
A: Absolutely! While Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix is my go-to, you can use any other brand or even make your own homemade seasoning. Just adjust the quantities to suit your taste.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: While it’s technically possible to freeze this dish, I find that the pasta can become a bit mushy upon thawing. However, in my house, it never lasts more than a day, so storage isn’t usually an issue!
Now that you have the recipe for Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta, go ahead and give it a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Its creamy, comforting goodness is perfect for any occasion, from a weeknight dinner to a special gathering with loved ones. Enjoy!
Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta
Creamy and flavorful pasta dish made with tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich ranch sauce. Perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 250g pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
-
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook in a skillet with olive oil until fully cooked and browned. Set aside.
-
In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add chicken broth, simmer, then stir in heavy cream and Ranch dressing mix.
-
Slice cooked chicken into thin strips, add back to the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes.
-
Add cooked pasta to the skillet, toss to coat with the sauce. Heat through for 2-3 minutes.
-
Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
-
Enjoy!