Go Back
- 8 oz penne pasta - 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 cup ranch dressing - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup baby spinach - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Using high-quality ingredients makes a big difference. Choose fresh chicken for better flavor. Look for ranch dressing with no added sugars or preservatives. Fresh cherry tomatoes give a sweet burst in each bite. For greens, baby spinach is tender and adds a nice color. Use real Parmesan cheese for the best taste, as pre-grated cheese often lacks flavor. You can easily adjust this recipe to fit your needs. For gluten-free, swap the penne for gluten-free pasta. If you want a lighter version, use low-fat ranch dressing and light cream. For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water for flavor. Once it boils, add 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually 9-11 minutes for al dente. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure it does not stick together. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 lb of diced chicken breast. Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes. Stir often until the chicken turns golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Reduce the heat to medium-low after the chicken cooks. Pour in 1 cup of ranch dressing and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir everything well to mix. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes. This step blends the flavors together nicely. Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of baby spinach to the skillet. Stir gently to mix. Cook until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften, which takes about 2-3 minutes. This adds color and nutrients to your dish. Now, take the cooked penne pasta and add it to the skillet. Toss everything together carefully. Make sure the pasta gets fully coated with the creamy ranch sauce, chicken, and veggies. This step is key for flavor. Spoon the creamy chicken ranch pasta into serving bowls. Make sure each bowl has a good amount of sauce and veggies. For a nice touch, sprinkle fresh parsley on top and add some extra Parmesan cheese. Serve with warm garlic bread for a complete meal. To make the sauce super creamy, use heavy cream. It blends well with ranch dressing. Stir the sauce gently as it simmers. This helps keep it smooth. The key is to add Parmesan cheese at the end. It melts nicely and makes the dish richer. You can also try adding a splash of pasta water. This helps the sauce stick better to the pasta. To avoid mushy pasta, cook it until al dente. This means it should have a slight bite. Follow the package instructions closely. Stir the pasta while it cooks. This helps it cook evenly. After draining, toss it with a little olive oil. This keeps it from sticking together. If you plan to combine it with the sauce later, undercook it by one minute. It will finish cooking in the sauce. To save time, prep your ingredients first. Dice the chicken and halve the tomatoes before you start cooking. Use a large pot to boil the pasta. While it cooks, you can sauté the chicken. This cuts down on waiting time. If you have leftover chicken, use it instead of cooking from scratch. You can also use pre-chopped spinach or cherry tomatoes. This makes the process even faster! Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: Make sure to salt your pasta water well; it should taste like the sea. This enhances the flavor of the pasta itself. Chicken Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety and juiciness. Veggie Freshness: For the best flavor, add your spinach and tomatoes at the end of cooking to keep them vibrant and fresh. Cheesy Finish: Let your pasta sit for a couple of minutes after adding the cheese; this helps it melt evenly and creates a creamier texture. {{image_4}} You can make this dish even better by adding more veggies. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. Cut them into small pieces so they cook well. You can add them when you sauté the chicken. Just cook them until they are tender. This will give your dish more color and flavor. You can also add peas or corn for a sweet touch. Not a fan of chicken? No problem! You can use other proteins. Shrimp works great and cooks fast. Just add it to the skillet with the sauce. If you want a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or tofu. Make sure to cook them well to get good flavor. Each protein will change the taste of your dish. Do you love heat? You can spice things up easily! Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick. You can also mix in diced jalapeños or hot sauce. Start with a little and taste as you go. This way, you can find the perfect heat level for you. Spicy adds a fun twist to the creamy ranch flavor. To keep your creamy chicken ranch pasta fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the pasta cools down before you seal it. This helps to keep the sauce creamy and tasty. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you have a lot of leftovers, consider dividing them into smaller portions. This way, you can enjoy it later without needing to reheat the whole dish. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, reheating is easy! Use a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel. Heat it in short bursts of 30 seconds. Stir in between to avoid hot spots. If you feel the pasta looks dry, add a splash of milk or cream for extra moisture. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stove. Just add a little water or broth to a pan and warm it over low heat, stirring gently. If you want to save your creamy chicken ranch pasta for later, freezing is a great option! First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as the pasta may expand when frozen. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, follow the reheating tips to enjoy a warm, creamy meal! Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Use gluten-free penne pasta instead. Many brands offer great options. Just cook it according to the package instructions. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always check labels to be sure. To make this dish healthier, consider these tips: - Use whole wheat penne for more fiber. - Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk. - Add more veggies, like bell peppers or broccoli, for extra nutrients. These changes keep the flavor but lower the calories. This dish pairs well with: - Garlic bread, great for dipping. - A fresh side salad for crunch. - Steamed vegetables for added nutrients. These sides balance the meal and add flavor. Yes, you can use store-bought ranch dressing. It saves time and still tastes great. Just choose your favorite brand. Homemade ranch dressing adds a personal touch. Either way, the dish will still be creamy and delicious. The pasta stays fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container. Reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stove. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. This blog post covered the key ingredients for Creamy Chicken Ranch Pasta. I shared tips for choosing quality ingredients and making smart substitutions. I walked you through simple cooking steps that create a tasty dish. You also learned how to make it creamy and time-efficient. In closing, remember to get creative with variations. Use your favorite veggies and proteins. Storage and reheating tips will keep this meal fresh. Enjoy your cooking journey, and make it your own!

Creamy Chicken Ranch Pasta Delight

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring chicken, ranch dressing, and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually around 9-11 minutes). Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, ensuring it's not sticking together.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast to the pan and season generously with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
  • Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the ranch dressing followed by the heavy cream. Stir the mixture well to ensure everything is combined smoothly. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Add the halved cherry tomatoes and baby spinach to the skillet. Gently stir to combine, cooking until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are slightly tender—this should take about 2-3 minutes.
  • Take the cooked penne pasta and add it to the skillet. Toss everything together gently, making sure the pasta is thoroughly coated with the creamy ranch sauce and mixed with the chicken and vegetables.
  • Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta mixture, stirring it in to enhance the creaminess. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  • Spoon the creamy chicken ranch pasta into serving bowls, making sure to include ample sauce and veggies in each dish.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with garlic bread for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, creamy, dinner, pasta, ranch