Description

Enjoy a delightful blend of flavors with this White Cheddar Ranch Chicken Pasta. It’s a quick and easy dish featuring savory chicken, creamy sauce, and gooey white cheddar, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Perfect for those looking for homemade comfort food!

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 the package directions until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the drained pasta aside with the reserved water.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the chicken breasts. Season with paprika and black pepper; cook until fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and slice into strips.
In the same skillet, melt the butter, then add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic, whisking to combine. Gradually add the whole milk, stirring until the mixture thickens.
Stir in the ranch seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and shredded white cheddar cheese until melted and combined with the sauce.
Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water as needed to reach the desired consistency. Combine everything well, then add in the sliced chicken.
Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley.

Notes

You can substitute cavatappi pasta with any pasta shape of your choice.
For extra creaminess, consider adding more cheese or a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 660
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 115mg