Description
Enjoy the mouthwatering White Cheddar Ranch Chicken Pasta featuring tender chicken, rich cheddar cheese, and zesty ranch flavor. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a satisfying dinner any night.
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 (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- ¼ cup (31 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons (about 1 packet / 1 ounce) dry ranch seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups (226 g) white cheddar cheese, shredded
- fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the cavatappi pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, following the package instructions. Be sure to reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside along with the reserved pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and season with paprika and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and fully cooked, then remove from the skillet and slice into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, melt butter, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually add whole milk, stirring constantly, and allow the mixture to thicken.
- Add the dry ranch seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and shredded white cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until the cheese is melted and smooth.
- Toss the cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the cheese sauce. Use reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
For an even creamier sauce, you can add more cheese if desired.
Feel free to substitute other pasta shapes based on your preference.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1020mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg