Creamy, cheesy, and filled with tender bites of chicken, this Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta is the comfort dish you didn’t know you needed. It comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals. With just the right amount of ranch flavor to tie everything together, it’s a simple recipe that delivers big.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this pasta is a hearty, satisfying option that never fails. The creamy ranch sauce clings to the spiraled noodles and juicy chicken pieces, offering a bite that’s savory, rich, and oh-so-satisfying.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta?

Fusilli, rotini, or penne are all excellent choices because their twists and ridges catch the creamy sauce perfectly. If you prefer long noodles, fettuccine or linguine can work, but for best results, go with a shape that traps the ranch coating in every bite.

Ingredients for the Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta

Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast gives the dish a lean protein base and absorbs the ranch flavors well.

Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix: The star of the show, it provides the tangy, herby signature taste you crave.

Heavy cream: Makes the sauce rich, creamy, and luxurious.

Cream cheese: Adds thickness and an extra layer of flavor to the sauce.

Shredded parmesan cheese: Brings salty depth and melds beautifully with the creaminess.

Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with warmth and aroma.

Olive oil: Used to sauté the chicken, giving it a golden, flavorful crust.

Salt and pepper: Enhances and balances all the flavors.

Pasta of choice: Rotini or fusilli are ideal to grab every bit of creamy ranch sauce.

Chopped parsley (optional): For a pop of color and freshness.

How To Make the Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Ranch Seasoning

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then sprinkle in the Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and add the cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 5: Add Parmesan

Lower the heat and stir in the shredded parmesan cheese. Let it melt into the sauce to thicken and intensify the flavor.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet and mix everything until the noodles are fully coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Serving and Storing This Creamy Chicken Pasta

Serve it hot right after mixing, when the sauce is at its peak creaminess. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave to restore that silky sauce texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this pasta spicier?

Add red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic, or stir in a dash of hot sauce with the cream.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just dice it and heat it through after sautéing the garlic before adding the cream.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can substitute with gluten-free pasta and check that your ranch mix is GF.

Can I freeze this dish?

It’s not ideal as the creamy sauce may separate when thawed. Fresh is best, but short-term refrigeration works well.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Broccoli, peas, or spinach are great additions stirred in during the last step.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

You can substitute with a little sour cream or extra heavy cream, though the sauce may be slightly thinner.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta, here are more comforting and creative pasta dishes to try:

For more daily dinner ideas, visit my Pinterest board: Life with Jam on Pinterest

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use rotini or penne? Add any veggies or extra cheese?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort meal. Loaded with tender chicken, tangy ranch seasoning, and a rich, cheesy sauce, it’s a one-pan dish that hits all the right notes.

Instructions

1. Boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and add the chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and no longer pink inside.

3. Add minced garlic to the chicken and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

4. Sprinkle in the ranch seasoning, then stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted.

5. Reduce heat and add parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.

6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until everything is well coated in the sauce.

7. Garnish with chopped parsley if using, and serve warm.