Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized cubes)
1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix
Salt and pepper to taste
12 oz penne or rotini pasta
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

Preparation: Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice—penne and rotini work best because they hold the sauce well. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and half the packet of Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning. Add the chicken to the pan and sear on all sides until golden brown and fully cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Base of the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about a minute to create a roux. Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Add the remaining Ranch seasoning to the sauce, then stir in cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes). For extra richness, add sour cream or cream cheese at this point and stir until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything to coat evenly in the sauce. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors can meld. Sprinkle paprika and red pepper flakes if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

To avoid a grainy sauce, be sure to stir continuously while adding cheese and avoid boiling the sauce once the cheese has been added.
If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with additional milk or chicken broth.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 540
Sodium: 860mg
Protein: 35g