Description

Experience a delightful combination of creamy white cheddar and zesty ranch in this White Cheddar Ranch Chicken Pasta. Perfect for a quick dinner or a comforting meal, this recipe features tender chicken and pasta, all enveloped in a rich sauce that’s sure to satisfy any craving.

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 (½ stick / 57 g)
2 teaspoons minced garlic
¼ cup all-purpose flour (31 g)
2 cups whole milk
2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning (about 1 packet / 1 ounce)
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 cups white cheddar cheese, shredded (226 g)
fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the cavatappi pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, then drain the pasta and set aside with the reserved water.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the boneless skinless chicken breasts seasoned with paprika and black pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes per side. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and allow to rest before slicing.
In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the all-purpose flour, mixing until a paste forms. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
Add the dry ranch seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce, mixing well. Then, stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce, tossing to combine. If the mixture is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the level of spice by using less crushed red pepper flakes.
This dish can easily be made ahead; simply reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture.
To make it a full meal, serve with a side salad.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 540
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 110mg