Description
Creamy Pickle Ranch Chicken Pasta is a bold and flavorful comfort dish featuring tender chicken, pasta, tangy dill pickles, ranch seasoning, and a rich creamy cheese sauce. The combination of savory ranch and zesty pickles creates a unique and irresistible meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup diced dill pickles
- 1/4 cup pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Whisk in cream cheese until smooth.
- Add ranch seasoning and cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Stir in pickle juice and black pepper.
- Return the chicken to the skillet.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Fold in diced dill pickles.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with fresh dill and green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use refrigerated dill pickles for the best flavor and crunch.
- Adjust the amount of pickle juice to control tanginess.
- Freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Add crispy turkey bacon for extra texture and flavor.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American