Creamy, dreamy, and full of bold flavor—Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta is a one-pot wonder that brings dinner to the table in under 30 minutes. The richness of the ranch dressing blends beautifully with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. It’s comfort food without the fuss, and your whole family will come back for seconds.

This dish offers more than just convenience; it delivers that nostalgic ranch flavor we all know and love, elevated with a velvety sauce that clings to every spiral of pasta. With minimal ingredients and maximum payoff, it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in rotation.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best with Ranch Chicken?

While you can use any pasta shape you like, rotini is a popular favorite because its spirals hold onto the sauce so well. Penne or bowtie pasta also work nicely, especially if you want a heartier bite. The key is to choose pasta that grabs and hugs the creamy ranch sauce.

Ingredients for the Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta

Chicken Breasts: The base protein—juicy and tender, these soak up all the flavor of the ranch sauce beautifully.

Rotini Pasta: This shape is perfect for capturing the creamy ranch coating in every twist and curve.

Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning Mix: The star of the show. This seasoning adds bold, tangy flavor that’s instantly recognizable.

Heavy Cream: Adds richness and body to the sauce, making it irresistibly silky.

Parmesan Cheese: Gives a salty, nutty finish that balances the tanginess of the ranch.

Butter: Helps sear the chicken and enriches the sauce.

Garlic: Adds a savory depth that rounds out the flavors.

Salt & Pepper: For seasoning the chicken and pasta to taste.

Chopped Parsley (Optional): A fresh sprinkle on top to brighten and finish the dish.

How To Make the Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by cutting chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce

In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt a bit more butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stir in the Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix, and let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Combine

Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. If it’s too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked pasta and seared chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the ranch sauce. Let it heat through for a minute or two.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if using. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, ranch-flavored bite.

How to Serve and Store Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta

Serve this dish straight from the skillet for maximum creaminess. Pair it with garlic bread or a crisp green salad to round out your meal. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a sprinkle of crispy bacon on top adds an amazing crunch.

For leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and stir gently over low heat.

Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate once thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this pasta spicier?

You can stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce for some heat.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Absolutely! Just shred or dice pre-cooked chicken and stir it into the sauce to warm through.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk with a tablespoon of flour can work as a lighter option, though the sauce may be thinner.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be! Use gluten-free pasta and make sure your ranch seasoning is certified gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Broccoli, spinach, or peas make great add-ins. Stir them in with the pasta.

What cheese can I use instead of Parmesan?

Try Romano or Asiago for a similar sharpness, or even mozzarella for extra creaminess.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you’re all about creamy and flavor-packed pastas, here are some more comforting dishes to check out:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it fast the next time you’re craving creamy chicken pasta.

And when you give it a try, drop a comment below—did you use rotini or switch it up? Add extra cheese? I love hearing your variations!

Also, if you’re always hunting for new comfort meals, come follow along on Pinterest @lifewithninarecipes where I share daily ideas you can actually cook.

Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-skillet dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a rich ranch-seasoned sauce come together to create a comforting weeknight meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

Scale

2 chicken breasts

8 oz rotini pasta

1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.

2. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked through. Set aside.

3. In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.

4. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.

5. Pour in heavy cream and stir in Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning. Simmer for 2–3 minutes on low heat.

6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Thin with pasta water if needed.

7. Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce.

8. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to warm through.

9. Garnish with chopped parsley if using. Serve immediately.