Description
Savor the creamy deliciousness of this White Cheddar Ranch Chicken Pasta, a quick and flavorful meal featuring tender chicken, rich cheese, and zesty ranch seasoning. Perfect for busy nights or a comforting family dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 ounces cavatappi pasta
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- ¼ cup (31 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons (about 1 packet / 1 ounce) dry ranch seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups (226 g) white cheddar cheese, shredded
- fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the cavatappi pasta according to package directions until al dente, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside along with the reserved pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken breasts, sprinkling with paprika and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Whisk in the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden.
- Slowly pour in the whole milk, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth consistency. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the ranch seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and shredded white cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Combine the cooked pasta and chicken into the cheese sauce, mixing well. Adjust the consistency with reserved pasta water if needed. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in ranch dressing before cooking.
Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables like spinach or broccoli for a nutritious boost.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated easily.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 85mg