Description

White Cheddar Ranch Chicken Pasta combines creamy white cheddar cheese, tender chicken, and zesty ranch for a quick, delicious dinner that’s perfect for busy nights.

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 shredded white cheddar cheese (226 g)
fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the cavatappi pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside along with the reserved water.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the chicken breasts, seasoning with paprika and black pepper. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and slice into bite-sized pieces.
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in the whole milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to thicken.
Stir in dry ranch seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and shredded white cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the cheese sauce. Pour in reserved pasta water if needed for desired consistency. Mix until well combined.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

You can substitute the cavatappi pasta with your favorite type of pasta.
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 550
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 750mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 54g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 80mg