Description
This White Cheddar Ranch Chicken Pasta features tender chicken and creamy white cheddar sauce, making it a quick, flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week.
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 until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Drain the pasta and set aside along with the reserved pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat, then add the chicken breasts, sprinkling with paprika and black pepper. Cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove and slice the chicken.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk, allowing the sauce to thicken. Stir in the dry ranch seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Once thick, add the shredded white cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Mix in the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and sliced chicken, ensuring everything is well coated. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition.
This dish can easily be made ahead of time and reheated.
Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the crushed red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 95mg