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Ranch Chicken with Pasta

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  • #62602

Mix your favorite pasta with chicken, ranch dressing mix, sour cream, and roasted red peppers and you have a delicious one-dish dinner.


serves/makes:
  
ready in:
  under 30 minutes

ingredients

8 ounces spiral pasta or your favorite short pasta
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 envelope dry ranch salad dressing mix, divided
1 tablespoon oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 cup diced onion
1 jar (7 ounce size) roasted red peppers, drained and sliced
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons milk
grated Parmesan cheese

directions

Cook the pasta as directed on the package. Drain well and place the pasta in a large bowl.

Meanwhile, combine the cubed chicken and 2 tablespoons of the ranch salad dressing mix in a zip-top plastic bag. Seal the bag and shake to coat the chicken in the dressing mix.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and onion. Cook until the chicken is almost cooked. Add the roasted peppers and cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is cooked through.

Combine the remaining ranch salad dressing mix, sour cream, and milk in a bowl and mix until smooth. Stir the mixture into the pasta, mixing until the pasta is well coated in the dressing. Add the chicken and gently toss to combine.

Serve the ranch chicken with pasta with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

recipe tips


Marinate the chicken in the ranch dressing mix for at least 30 minutes for more flavor.

For a creamier texture, you can add more sour cream or a splash of cream to the sauce.

Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the dish a nice heat.

If the sauce seems too thick, add a little pasta water to thin it out.

To add more color and nutrition, mix in some fresh spinach or arugula at the end.

Grate the Parmesan cheese freshly for the best flavor.

If you prefer a crispy texture, you can briefly broil the dish with cheese on top before serving.

Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a different taste.

common recipe questions


What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Spiral pasta or any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle is ideal for this recipe as they hold the sauce well and mix easily with the other ingredients.

Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey, pork, or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is cooked through.

Can I prepare the recipe in advance?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can cook the pasta and chicken in advance. Just mix them with the ranch dressing mixture before serving.

Can I use bottled ranch dressing instead of the dry mix?

You won't have the ranch flavor as pronounced on the chicken but you can use bottled ranch dressing in place of the dry mix combined with sour cream and milk. For the chicken, use 2 tablespoons of seasoned flour to coat the chicken.

How can I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.


nutrition data

515 calories, 18 grams fat, 50 grams carbohydrates, 36 grams protein per serving.
Show full nutritional data (including Weight Watcher's Points ®, cholesterol, sodium, vitamins, and diabetic exchanges)


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