Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta is a dish that deserves a permanent spot in your dinnertime rotation! It’s wonderfully creamy and packed with savory ranch flavor, perfectly tender chicken, tangy cheddar, and a sprinkle of crispy bacon if you’re feeling a little extra. Each bite wraps you in comfort and nostalgia, while the ease of preparation makes it a real weeknight hero. If you’re searching for a satisfying, family-friendly meal that turns ordinary pasta and chicken into something irresistible, this one checks all the boxes!

Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta lies in its short and simple ingredient list—each item pulls its weight for flavor, creaminess, and color. From the chicken’s juicy texture to those cheesy, ranchy notes, you’ll enjoy a perfect balance in every forkful.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and extra juiciness in every mouthful.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and ensures the chicken cooks up golden and tender without sticking.
Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning Mix: The secret to that unmistakable zesty, herby flavor that ties the whole dish together.
Pasta (Penne or Rotini): Both shapes hold on to the creamy sauce perfectly—go gluten-free if needed!
Heavy Cream: Brings luxurious creaminess to the sauce (for a lighter touch, use half-and-half).
Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and keeps the sauce from getting too thick or heavy.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the sauce, offering a bold, tangy punch and extra creaminess.
Parmesan Cheese: Brings salty, nutty notes and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
Garlic Powder: Rounds out the ranch flavor with warm, savory depth.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste—go slow and adjust right at the end.
Bacon (Optional): Adds smoky, crispy contrast—highly recommended if you love extra dimension!
Fresh Parsley (Optional): For a burst of color and herbal freshness on top.

How to Make Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your pasta until it’s perfectly al dente. This allows the pasta to hold its shape and soak up all that dreamy ranch sauce later. Drain it well and set aside—you’ll add it back at just the right moment.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, swirl in the olive oil and add your chicken pieces. Cook them for about 5–7 minutes until they’re golden on the outside and cooked all the way through. Getting a little color here adds so much flavor.

Step 3: Season with Ranch

Sprinkle the Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning Mix right over the chicken and stir so everything is coated in that signature tangy, herby goodness. This step is where the magic really begins—and the aroma is incredible!

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Mix in the garlic powder, pour in the heavy cream, and add the chicken broth. Let this bubble away for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll see the sauce thicken and become velvety, ready to hug every piece of pasta.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheeses

Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. As they melt, the sauce goes from good to unforgettable—lush, rich, and oh-so-cheesy.

Step 6: Combine with Pasta

Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to make sure every bite gets coated in sauce. Taste and season with a bit of salt and plenty of black pepper. If you’re going for extra flavor, now’s the time to stir in that crispy bacon.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle over your fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta hot and watch everyone dive right in!

How to Serve Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A handful of chopped parsley makes the colors pop and gives a fresh finish that balances the creamy sauce. A few extra crumbles of crispy bacon (or even a touch more Parmesan) can also add irresistible texture and extra savory notes right before serving.

Side Dishes

Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or garlic bread for scooping up any leftover sauce. If you want a lighter meal, try sautéed spinach or steamed asparagus on the side for a nutritious green hit.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try serving Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta in individual bowls topped with tiny sprigs of parsley and a mini bacon crisp. Or pile it high in a big serving platter and watch as everyone helps themselves—family style always feels extra inviting and hearty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta is a real treat. Transfer any cooled extras to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making day-two pasta incredibly flavorful.

Freezing

For longer storage, place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Be aware that the creamy sauce might separate a little when thawed, but a gentle stir while reheating brings it right back to life.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir well to get the sauce silky again, and always check that it’s hot all the way through before serving.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and works perfectly—just add it when you’d add the ranch seasoning and proceed from there. It’s a super shortcut if you have leftovers on hand.

Is there a dairy-free version of Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta?

You can easily swap in your favorite unsweetened dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives to create a version suitable for those avoiding dairy. Make sure your ranch seasoning and pasta are dairy-free too.

How can I add vegetables to this dish?

Chopped broccoli florets or a few handfuls of fresh spinach stirred in during the last minutes of simmering add great color and extra nutrition. The sauce clings to veggies just as well as it does to the pasta!

My sauce is too thick. How can I fix it?

Stir in a little extra chicken broth or milk until you reach your desired creamy consistency. Warm it gently so everything blends together smoothly.

What other pasta shapes work for Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta?

Short pasta shapes like fusilli, farfalle, and shells are wonderful for catching the creamy sauce. Just use what you have—this recipe is very forgiving and delicious no matter the shape!

Final Thoughts

Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta is pure weeknight happiness in a bowl: creamy, satisfying, and teeming with crowd-pleasing ranch flavor. Try it once and you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds—and maybe even making it a new family tradition. Gather your ingredients and get ready for a dinner everyone will request again and again!

Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy and flavorful, this Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta is a delicious family-friendly dish that’s easy to make and sure to be a hit at the dinner table.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning Mix
12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth

For the Sauce:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, cook the chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Sprinkle ranch seasoning over the chicken and stir to coat evenly.
Make the Sauce: Add garlic powder, heavy cream, and chicken broth to the skillet. Simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated. Season with salt and pepper. If desired, stir in bacon and parsley before serving.