Hey there, friend! You know, there’s something truly special about sitting down at the dinner table with family, especially when the meal you’ve whipped up brings everyone together in a comforting embrace of flavors. Today, I’m thrilled to share one of those magical recipes that never fails to put smiles on faces and warm hearts: my Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta.
I remember the first time I made this dish. It was a chilly Saturday evening, and I wanted to create something that wasn’t just filling but also soul-soothing. I found inspiration in the pantry with a packet of Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning and decided to experiment. What emerged was a creamy, cheesy delight that instantly became a family favorite. The kids loved it so much they asked for seconds, and even my picky eater couldn’t resist diving back for more.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate. So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s chat about how you can bring this deliciously inviting dish to your family table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Family-Friendly: This dish has a universal appeal, making it perfect for kids and adults alike. It’s a great way to bring everyone together for a hearty family dinner.
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Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a total cooking time of 30 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into a busy weeknight schedule.
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Comfort Food at Its Best: Rich, creamy, and full of flavor, this pasta dish is the epitome of comfort food that warms you from the inside out.
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Accessible Ingredients: You likely already have most of these ingredients in your pantry or fridge, making it convenient to whip up without a special trip to the store.
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Customizable: Easily tweak the recipe to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs. Add some veggies, switch up the pasta, or use leftover chicken to make it uniquely yours.
The Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain it and set aside. Remember, a quick stir after draining helps prevent sticking.
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Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. A good sear on the chicken adds depth to the dish.
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Make the Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Cheesy Goodness: Add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth. The cheese thickens the sauce, making it creamy and decadent.
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Combine: Toss in the cooked pasta, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the sauce. A gentle toss helps everything mix evenly without breaking the pasta.
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Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm. A sprinkle of parsley not only adds color but also a fresh bite that complements the richness of the sauce.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large Pot: Essential for boiling the pasta.
- Large Skillet: Perfect for cooking the chicken and preparing the sauce.
- Colander: For draining the pasta.
- Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring the sauce and mixing the pasta.
- Cutting Board and Knife: To dice the chicken and chop parsley.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
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Penne Pasta: Its tube-like shape holds the creamy sauce well, ensuring each bite is full of flavor.
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Chicken Breast: A lean protein that’s tender and juicy, pairing perfectly with the creamy sauce.
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Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning: This is the secret ingredient that adds a tangy, herby flavor, setting this pasta dish apart from the usual.
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Heavy Cream: Provides the rich, creamy base for the sauce, making it indulgently delicious.
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Chicken Broth: Adds depth to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
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Parmesan Cheese: Its nutty, salty flavor complements the ranch seasoning, creating a balanced taste.
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Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken, it adds a subtle richness to the dish.
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Fresh Parsley: A fresh garnish that adds color and a hint of herbal brightness.
What to Serve With This Dish
While this Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta is a star on its own, pairing it with the right sides can elevate your dining experience. Here are some suggestions:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for sopping up that creamy sauce. Check out my Garlic Bread Recipe for a homemade touch.
- Caesar Salad: The crisp lettuce and tangy dressing offer a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: A simple side of roasted broccoli or asparagus adds a healthy balance to the meal.
Storage & Leftover Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers (a rare occurrence in my house!), here’s how to store them:
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Refrigerate: Place the pasta in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
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Freeze: While pasta dishes can be frozen, the texture might change slightly. If you choose to freeze, do so for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
In conclusion, cooking isn’t just about the ingredients or the final dish; it’s about the joy of sharing a meal with those you love. My Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to gather around the table and create cherished memories. So, give it a try, and let me know how your family enjoys it. And if you’re looking for more comforting recipes, don’t miss our Classic Meatloaf and Creamy Potato Soup to keep those comfort food vibes going. Until next time, happy cooking!
Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in ranch seasoning, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Toss in cooked pasta and coat with the sauce.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.