Description
Enjoy the irresistible flavor of White Cheddar Ranch Chicken Pasta. This easy, homemade meal combines tender chicken, creamy white cheddar, and ranch seasoning for a comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights.
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 unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups white cheddar cheese, shredded
- fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the cavatappi pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve approximately 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside along with the reserved water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the boneless skinless chicken breasts. Season both sides with paprika and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, then remove it from the skillet and let it rest before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in the all-purpose flour to create a roux, cooking it for about a minute before gradually whisking in the whole milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer until it thickens, stirring constantly.
- Add the dry ranch seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and shredded white cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine the cooked pasta and sliced chicken with the cheese sauce in the skillet, mixing everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until reaching your desired consistency. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Feel free to substitute the cavatappi pasta with your favorite pasta shape.
Add vegetables like broccoli or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg