Looking for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner? This Chicken & Vegetable Ranch Pasta is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Perfect for families, this dish serves five and can be ready in just about 30 minutes. Join our kitchen companion membership for more mouth-watering recipes!.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced (any color)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 ½ cups corn (frozen or fresh)
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup milk (any type)
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Grocery List
- Chicken breast
- Pasta (penne or rotini)
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Bell peppers
- Onion
- Corn
- Ranch seasoning mix
- Cream cheese
- Milk
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta:
- Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add diced onion, sliced carrots, and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add broccoli florets and corn, cooking for an additional 3–4 minutes.
- Make the Sauce:
- Lower the heat and add cream cheese to the skillet with vegetables. Stir until melted.
- Pour in milk gradually while stirring to create a smooth sauce.
- Mix in ranch seasoning and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Combine Everything:
- Add cooked chicken back into the skillet along with drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Cooking Time
- Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes
- Preparation: 10 minutes
- Cooking: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 550 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fat: 20g
Helpful Tips & Notes
- For a healthier version, consider using whole wheat pasta or adding more vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
- You can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, this recipe is perfect for using it up!
This Chicken & Vegetable Ranch Pasta is sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy a hearty meal that brings everyone together around the dinner table. Don’t forget to join our kitchen companion membership for more delicious recipes!
