This Creamy Ranch Chicken & Bow-Tie Pasta is the kind of comforting dinner that comes together easily and tastes like a restaurant-style meal. Tender seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked bow-tie pasta, and a rich ranch-infused cream sauce come together with Parmesan for a creamy, savory dish the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) bow-tie pasta
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the bow-tie pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with paprika, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the Ranch Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Add the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, and ranch seasoning. Stir until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Add the Cheese
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and continue cooking over low heat for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce becomes creamy and slightly thickened.
If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
5. Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Add the drained bow-tie pasta and gently toss everything together until the pasta is completely coated in the creamy ranch sauce.
For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle in the mozzarella and stir until melted.
6. Garnish and Serve
Remove from the heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serve immediately with additional Parmesan on top if desired.
Tips for the Best Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta
- Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente pasta holds up better in a creamy sauce.
- Cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer after adding the cream and cheese.
- Reserve pasta water—it can quickly loosen a sauce that becomes too thick.
- For extra flavor, add cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat.
Delicious Add-Ins
You can easily customize this pasta with:
- Crispy bacon
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Diced bell peppers
- Extra Parmesan
- Shredded cheddar
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth and warm gently. This helps bring the creamy sauce back to its original consistency.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Ranch Chicken & Bow-Tie Pasta combines tender chicken, comforting pasta, and a rich ranch-seasoned cream sauce into one incredibly satisfying meal. It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but flavorful enough to become a family favorite.