Description
Craving a quick dinner that feels like pure comfort in a bowl? This Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta is the perfect easy dinner idea that combines juicy chicken, ranch-flavored cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta all in one skillet. It’s one of those cozy food ideas that works for a quick weeknight meal, a hearty lunch, or even leftovers the next day. If you’re looking for a creamy, family-friendly, easy recipe packed with flavor, this dish hits all the right notes—especially for lovers of ranch and easy pasta dinners.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
Salt and black pepper to taste
3 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups heavy cream
8 ounces rotini pasta
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 cup steamed broccoli florets (optional)
0.5 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sear until golden and cooked through—about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Lower heat to medium, add garlic to the same skillet, and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in ranch seasoning.
3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Add uncooked rotini pasta and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
5. Lower heat and mix in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted. Return chicken to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and optional red pepper flakes. Serve hot.
Notes
Use room temperature cream and broth to prevent curdling during cooking.
Add pasta gradually and stir well to avoid clumping and sticking to the pan.
This dish thickens as it sits—add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 heaping bowl
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, ranch pasta, easy dinner, one pot pasta, quick comfort food