Description

This White Cheddar Ranch Chicken Pasta is a delicious blend of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and flavorful ranch seasoning. Perfect for a quick yet comforting dinner, this dish is easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your cravings!

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

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Instructions

Cook the cavatappi pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts, seasoning with paprika and black pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove, let rest, and then cube the chicken.
In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the all-purpose flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in the whole milk, allowing the mixture to thicken. Add in the dry ranch seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy.
Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and add reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency. Fold in the cubed chicken.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Feel free to substitute cavatappi with any pasta shape you like, such as penne or fusilli.
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in ranch dressing before cooking.
This dish reheats well, making leftovers perfect for lunch or a quick dinner.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 620
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 31g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 51g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 37g
Cholesterol: 105mg