Creamy Chipotle Ranch Chicken Pasta
This Creamy Chipotle Ranch Chicken Pasta is bursting with smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors, perfect for a quick and indulgent weeknight meal.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water for later.
- While the pasta is cooking, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chipotle powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning mix over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated evenly.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Pour in 1 cup of ranch dressing and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet along with the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together, adding the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening. Stir until the cheese melts and the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy chipotle ranch sauce. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
- Transfer the creamy chipotle ranch chicken pasta to serving plates or bowls. Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Colander
- Knife and cutting board
Notes
- Store cooked chicken and pasta separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days for easy meal prep.
- Adjust spice level by adding more chipotle powder or cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
- Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or plant-based cream for a lighter sauce option.
- Try adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Leftovers can be frozen for up to a month; thaw overnight before reheating gently in a skillet.