![- 12 oz penne pasta - 2 chicken breasts, diced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup ranch dressing - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup baby spinach - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Gathering the right ingredients is key for making creamy ranch chicken pasta. Start with 12 ounces of penne pasta. This pasta shape holds the sauce well. Next, you need two chicken breasts. Dice them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. The sauce comes from one cup of heavy cream and one cup of ranch dressing. This mix creates a rich and tasty flavor that everyone will love. For the seasoning, use two tablespoons of olive oil. This helps cook the chicken and adds great taste. You will also need one teaspoon of garlic powder and one teaspoon of onion powder. These spices give your dish more depth. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. For a fresh touch, add chopped parsley as a garnish. If you want to make the meal even better, consider these optional add-ins. One cup of grated Parmesan cheese adds creaminess. Baby spinach adds color and nutrition, while cherry tomatoes give a burst of sweetness. Now that you have your ingredients ready, you can start making this simple and satisfying meal. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To cook the penne pasta, fill a large pot with water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta. Stir it well to prevent sticking. Cook the pasta for about 10-12 minutes. You want it to be al dente, meaning it should have a slight bite. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of garlic powder and one teaspoon of onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sauté the chicken for about 7-10 minutes. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. This brings out all the flavors. Now for the sauce! Lower the heat and pour in one cup of heavy cream. Stir well to mix it with the chicken. Let it simmer for about two minutes. Then, add one cup of ranch dressing. Mix it in nicely. Next, slowly add one cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts, creating a smooth, creamy sauce. Time to combine everything! Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss it gently until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy ranch sauce. Stir in one cup of baby spinach and half a cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for an extra 2-3 minutes. This helps the spinach wilt and the tomatoes soften. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve right away with fresh parsley on top. For the full recipe, check the link above! To get the right thickness for your sauce, start with heavy cream. It gives a rich base. After cooking your chicken, lower the heat before adding the cream. This prevents it from boiling too much. Stir the cream in gently and let it warm. When you add ranch dressing, it will blend well. The Parmesan cheese helps thicken it too. If the sauce seems thin, let it simmer a bit longer. Remember, it will thicken as it cools. You can play with flavors to make this dish even better. Try adding some smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. A pinch of cayenne pepper can kick up the heat. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme add freshness. You can also use a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright twist. Don’t forget to taste as you go. Adjust the salt and pepper to match your preference. This dish is great for meal prep. You can cook it ahead and store it in the fridge. Just let it cool before putting it in a container. It stays good for about three days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of milk or water to keep it creamy. Stir often to avoid sticking. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Shrimp adds a nice twist. Cook them quickly in the skillet. Turkey is another great choice; it’s lean and flavorful. For plant-based options, try tofu or chickpeas. They soak up the sauce well and keep it creamy. Adding veggies can boost flavor and nutrition. Bell peppers bring crunch and sweetness. Sauté them with chicken for extra taste. Zucchini is another fun choice. Slice it thin and add it in the last few minutes of cooking. You can also use broccoli or peas for color. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great choices. For dairy-free adaptations, try coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Use dairy-free ranch dressing and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. These swaps keep the dish creamy and tasty. To store your Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and the pasta from drying out. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it gently. If you want to freeze this dish, follow these steps. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Warm it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to keep it creamy. Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta stays fresh for about three days in the fridge. If frozen, it can last up to three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage, like off smells or changes in texture. This ensures you enjoy it at its best. You can add some heat to this dish easily. Consider using red pepper flakes. They add a nice kick without changing the flavor much. You can also add hot sauce. Just a few drops will spice it up. If you like fresh flavors, try diced jalapeños. They add heat and great taste. Mix in any of these options while cooking the chicken. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. Yes, you can swap out the penne pasta. Some great choices are fusilli or rotini. These shapes hold onto the sauce well. If you prefer a whole grain option, use whole wheat pasta. Cook times vary slightly but usually take around 8-12 minutes. Always check the package instructions for the right cooking time. This dish pairs well with many sides. A simple green salad adds freshness. You can use romaine, spinach, or mixed greens. Garlic bread is also a great choice. It helps soak up the creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables, like broccoli or carrots, work well too. They add color and nutrients to your meal. Absolutely, kids usually love this dish! The creamy ranch flavor is mild and tasty. The pasta is easy to eat, and the chicken adds protein. You can adjust the ingredients to make it even more kid-friendly. For example, leave out any spicy elements. You can also add more veggies to sneak in some nutrition. In this blog post, we explored how to create a delicious Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta. We covered the main ingredients, from penne pasta to chicken and ranch dressing. I shared steps for cooking the pasta, preparing the chicken, and making the creamy sauce. You learned tips for achieving the right texture and variations to fit your taste. Overall, this dish is easy to make and fun to customize. Enjoy your cooking and savor every bite!](https://cookingwells.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/14ed8c84-faf4-4b87-b1b5-34d52b2170f9-250x250.webp)
Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta
Indulge in a comforting meal with this Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta recipe! This quick and easy dish combines tender chicken, rich heavy cream, and zesty ranch dressing, all tossed with penne pasta for a delightful dinner in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this creamy pasta is sure to please the whole family.