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To make this One-Pot Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta, you will need these ingredients: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 pound chicken breast, diced - 3 cups penne pasta - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 packet ranch seasoning mix - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup frozen peas - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These items come together to create a tasty meal. You get protein, carbs, and veggies in every bite. If you're missing an ingredient, don't worry! Here are some easy swaps: - Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option. - Swap the penne pasta for rotini or fusilli if you prefer. - Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version. - Use Greek yogurt in place of cream for a tangy twist. - You can try different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for unique flavors. These substitutions can help you use what you have on hand. For this recipe, you will need some basic cooking tools: - A large pot - A cutting board - A sharp knife - A stirring spoon - Measuring cups and spoons Having these items ready will make your cooking smooth and fun. Enjoy the process! To start, I heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, I add 1 pound of diced chicken breast. I season it with salt and pepper. I sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. I wait until it's cooked through and lightly browned. This step adds flavor and texture to the dish. Next, I add 3 cups of penne pasta to the pot. Then, I pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and add a packet of ranch seasoning mix. I stir it all well to combine. Bringing this mixture to a simmer is key. I cover the pot and let it cook for 10-12 minutes. I stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. The goal is for the pasta to be al dente. After the pasta is cooked, I reduce the heat to low. I stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and 1 cup of frozen peas. This step makes the dish creamy and colorful. I let it cook for an additional 5 minutes. Everything needs to heat through and blend well. Finally, I remove the pot from heat. I mix in 1 cup of shredded cheese until it melts. I taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. This sauce is rich and comforting, making the dish truly special. When you cook chicken, start with even-sized pieces. This helps them cook at the same rate. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken's doneness. It should reach 165°F. Avoid overcrowding the pot. This can trap steam and make your chicken soggy. Sauté in batches if needed. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before cutting. This keeps it juicy. To get a creamy sauce, use heavy cream. It blends well with the ranch seasoning. Stir in the cream slowly over low heat. This helps it combine better. For extra creaminess, add more cheese. Cheddar or mozzarella both work well. You can also mix in a bit of pasta water. It helps the sauce cling to the pasta. This dish is great on its own, but you can add sides. A fresh salad pairs nicely. Try a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread is a tasty option too. For drinks, serve with iced tea or sparkling water. If you want a fun twist, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat. {{image_2}} You can easily add veggies to this dish. Try bell peppers for crunch and color. Spinach works great too; just stir it in at the end. Zucchini adds a nice texture. Broccoli florets can also boost nutrition and flavor. The more veggies you add, the better your pasta becomes! If you want to switch proteins, you have options. Turkey or pork works well instead of chicken. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice taste. You can use tofu for a vegetarian version. Just make sure to adjust cooking times so everything cooks evenly. Change the flavor with spices. Add garlic powder for a tasty kick. A bit of lemon juice brightens the dish. For a spicy twist, mix in red pepper flakes. You can even swap ranch seasoning for Italian herbs for a fresh taste. Each choice makes the dish fun and unique! To store your leftovers, let the dish cool first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well. This helps keep the pasta fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, heat them gently. You can use a microwave or a pot on the stove. If using a microwave, cover the dish and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even heating. If using a pot, add a splash of chicken broth. This keeps the pasta from drying out. Heat on low until warmed through. If you want to freeze this dish, use a freezer-safe container. Cool the pasta completely before packing it. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove with a bit of broth for a creamy texture. To make this dish dairy-free, swap the heavy cream. Use coconut cream or almond milk instead. Both options add creaminess without dairy. For cheese, try a dairy-free cheese or skip it altogether. This keeps the dish tasty and creamy. Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Bowtie, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta works well. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta shape. Make sure to check for doneness. The key is to have it al dente. If you lack ranch seasoning, you can make your own. Mix equal parts of dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste. This homemade mix gives a similar flavor. You can also use Italian seasoning as a quick option. In this blog post, I covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips for your dish. You learned how to prepare chicken, cook pasta, and make a creamy sauce. We also discussed variations and storage methods to keep your food fresh. Feel confident in trying new flavors and ingredients. Cooking is fun, and so is experimenting. Enjoy your meal and share it with others!

One-Pot Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta

Discover the irresistible flavors of One-Pot Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta! This quick and easy recipe combines tender chicken, hearty penne pasta, and creamy ranch sauce all in one pot for a hassle-free meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is ready in just 30 minutes and is sure to please the whole family. Click to explore the full recipe and create a delicious dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound chicken breast, diced

3 cups penne pasta

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 packet ranch seasoning mix

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup frozen peas

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.

    Add the penne pasta to the pot with the chicken, followed by the chicken broth and ranch seasoning. Stir well to combine.

      Bring the mixture to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.

        Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the heavy cream, cherry tomatoes, and peas. Allow it to cook for an additional 5 minutes until everything is heated through and creamy.

          Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and well incorporated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

            Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4