Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta

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Creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor, Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta is the ultimate dinner idea that feels indulgent yet comes together effortlessly. Picture tender chicken breast pieces coated in a luscious ranch-seasoned cream sauce, nestled between swirls of perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a rich and savory dish that your whole family will ask for again and again.

What makes this recipe such a winner is how simple it is to pull off, even on busy weeknights. With just a few everyday ingredients and minimal prep, you can bring a restaurant-quality meal to your dinner table. The Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning gives it that classic, tangy flavor while blending beautifully with garlic, cream, and cheese.

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Why You’ll Love This Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta

This dish hits all the right notes for a delicious, satisfying meal. It’s creamy, cheesy, savory, and hearty without being too heavy. Plus, it’s super versatile — you can add veggies, change the pasta, or use rotisserie chicken to save even more time.

Kids and adults alike love the comforting texture and bold ranch flavor, making it a perfect pick for picky eaters or weeknight family dinners. Best of all, it reheats beautifully, so leftovers are never wasted.

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

While you can technically use any pasta you have on hand, short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli work best. Their ridges and spirals hold onto the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful. If you’re feeling indulgent, try it with rigatoni or even shells — they catch bits of chicken and sauce so well!

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Ingredients for the Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta

The magic of this dish lies in its rich and balanced flavor, and each ingredient plays a key role. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Chicken breast – A lean, protein-rich option that cooks quickly and soaks up all that ranch flavor.
• Pasta (penne or rotini) – These shapes hold the creamy sauce well, making every bite satisfying.
• Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix – The star of the show, adding a tangy, herby kick.
• Heavy cream – Brings the luscious, silky texture to the sauce.
• Chicken broth – Adds depth to the flavor while keeping the sauce from being too thick.
• Garlic – Enhances the overall savory taste and aroma.
• Cream cheese – Adds body and tanginess to the sauce.
• Shredded cheddar cheese – Melts into the sauce for cheesy comfort.
• Olive oil – Used to sear the chicken for a golden finish.
• Salt and pepper – For seasoning to taste.

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How To Make the Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Ranch Sauce

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for about a minute. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning and whisk until smooth.

Step 3: Add Cheeses

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in cream cheese until fully melted, then add shredded cheddar. Continue stirring until you have a smooth, cheesy ranch sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and reserve a little pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the skillet, then add cooked pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated and the chicken is evenly distributed. Adjust seasoning if needed.

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How to Serve and Store Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta

This creamy, dreamy pasta is best served hot right from the skillet. It feeds about 4 to 6 people, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Garnish with extra shredded cheddar or chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

To store, let the pasta cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce back to its silky consistency.

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What to Serve With Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta?

Garlic Bread

A crunchy slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the extra creamy sauce.

Steamed Broccoli

Light and healthy, broccoli adds balance and color to the plate.

Caesar Salad

Crispy romaine, parmesan, and creamy Caesar dressing pair wonderfully with the ranch flavors.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Slightly charred and nutty, they contrast nicely with the pasta’s richness.

Green Beans Almondine

For a bit of crunch and a buttery finish.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Earthy and savory mushrooms blend well with creamy pasta dishes.

Cucumber Tomato Salad

A fresh, tangy salad offers a refreshing counterpoint to the cheesy sauce.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use precooked or rotisserie chicken?
Yes, using precooked or rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred or chop it and stir it in when combining everything at the end.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prep the sauce and cook the pasta separately. Store them in the fridge and combine them when ready to serve.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be slightly less rich. Adding a bit more cream cheese can help maintain the creamy texture.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Sure! Swap out the chicken for mushrooms, zucchini, or even white beans for a hearty plant-based twist.

What if I don’t have Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning?
You can make your own ranch mix using dried dill, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 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 rotisserie chicken? Add extra cheese? Maybe a sprinkle of red pepper flakes?

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

Explore beautifully curated comfort food and pasta recipes on Tanya Recipes on Pinterest and find your next favorite dish!

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Conclusion

Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta is the kind of dinner you’ll want on repeat. It’s quick to make, rich in flavor, and loved by even the pickiest eaters. With flexible ingredients and easy prep, it’s the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Whether you’re hosting guests or just feeding a hungry family, this pasta hits the spot every single time.

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