If you love creamy, cheesy pasta, this Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta Recipe is perfect. It is simple, quick and full of flavor. You can make it for a family dinner or a cozy meal at home.
The chicken is juicy, the pasta is tender and the Hidden Valley Ranch dressing makes it extra delicious. Even beginners can follow this recipe easily.
In this recipe, you will learn how to make Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta step by step. You will also find all the ingredients for Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta and helpful tips to make it perfect every time.
My Experience With This Recipe
I tried this recipe for the first time last week. I wanted something easy but tasty. The chicken cooked quickly and the pasta was soft.
Adding Hidden Valley Ranch dressing made it creamy and full of flavor. My family loved it and I had no leftovers! This recipe is now my go-to for busy weeknights. It feels fancy, but it is very easy to make.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large pot
- Skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Colander
Ingredients You Need for Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini works best)
- 1/2 cup Hidden Valley Ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Guide
- Cook the Pasta
Boil water in a large pot. Add pasta. Cook until tender. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the Chicken
Season diced chicken with salt, pepper and paprika. Heat butter in skillet. Cook chicken until golden. - Add Garlic
Add minced garlic to skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not burn. - Mix Ranch Dressing
Lower heat. Add Hidden Valley Ranch dressing and milk. Stir well to combine. - Add Cheese
Add cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Stir until fully melted and creamy. - Combine Pasta and Chicken
Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Mix everything until pasta is well coated with sauce. - Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.
Tips to Make the Best Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta
- Use freshly cooked chicken for better flavor.
- Don’t overcook pasta; al dente works best.
- Stir sauce continuously to avoid burning cheese.
- Use full-fat milk for creamier sauce.
- Garnish with parsley or chives for color and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the chicken, making it dry.
- Using too little sauce; pasta should be creamy.
- Burning garlic; cook it lightly for best taste.
- Adding cold milk directly; warm slightly before mixing.
- Skipping seasoning; salt and pepper enhance flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta with a simple side salad. Garlic bread also pairs wonderfully. You can enjoy it alone or as part of a larger dinner. A light dessert, like fruit or sorbet, complements the creamy pasta well.
Variations You Can Try
- Add cooked broccoli or spinach for vegetables.
- Use rotisserie chicken for faster prep.
- Swap cheddar with mozzarella or gouda cheese.
- Add cooked bacon bits for extra flavor.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
- Avoid microwaving too long; it can dry out the chicken.
- Freeze for up to 1 month; thaw before reheating.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Health Benefits
This pasta provides protein from chicken, calcium from cheese and energy from pasta. Using fresh ingredients adds vitamins and minerals. You can make it healthier by adding vegetables like spinach, broccoli or bell peppers. It is a balanced meal that satisfies both adults and kids.
Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken diced
- 8 oz pasta penne or rotini works best
- 1/2 cup Hidden Valley Ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Boil water in a large pot. Add pasta. Cook until tender. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken
- Season diced chicken with salt, pepper and paprika. Heat butter in skillet. Cook chicken until golden.
Add Garlic
- Add minced garlic to skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not burn.
Mix Ranch Dressing
- Lower heat. Add Hidden Valley Ranch dressing and milk. Stir well to combine.
Add Cheese
- Add cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Stir until fully melted and creamy.
Combine Pasta and Chicken
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Mix everything until pasta is well coated with sauce.
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked chicken for better flavor.
- Don’t overcook pasta; al dente works best.
- Stir sauce continuously to avoid burning cheese.
- Use full-fat milk for creamier sauce.
- Garnish with parsley or chives for color and flavor.
FAQs about Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta
Q1: Can I use store-bought cooked chicken?
Yes, cooked chicken works fine. Just dice it and add to sauce.
Q2: Can I make it spicy?
Yes, add a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce while cooking.
Q3: Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely. Penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta works best.
Q4: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, cook chicken and pasta separately. Mix sauce before serving.
Q5: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.
Final Thoughts
This Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta Recipe is easy, creamy and delicious. You can make it in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.
With simple ingredients and step-by-step guidance, anyone can cook it. Follow the tips and avoid mistakes for the best results. Try adding vegetables or bacon for fun variations. Enjoy this creamy, flavorful pasta and share it with your loved ones!
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!