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Creamy Ranch Chicken Alfredo – a quick and easy dish with crispy chicken thighs and creamy ranch alfredo sauce for a flavor explosion everyone loves!
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Table of Contents
Easy Creamy Ranch Chicken Alfredo
I love simple, easy dishes that pack a ton of flavor into one meal- and are crazy easy to clean up. It’s part of the reason so many of my meals are one-pot wonders who wants to clean a whole huge stack of dishes after making dinner on a busy weeknight? I know it sounds really weird to put ranch seasonings in alfredo- but I promise you, it totally works! It is delicious with a bit of a zip – and perfect with chicken thighs!
Creamy Ranch Chicken Alfredo offers a delightful fusion of creamy Alfredo sauce enriched with the bold flavors of ranch dressing seasoning, creating a uniquely savory pasta experience. Tender chunks of chicken thigh are enveloped in this luxurious sauce, adding depth and heartiness to each forkful. The dish is perfectly complemented by al dente pasta, which absorbs the rich, creamy sauce, making every bite a perfect blend of texture and taste.
How to Make Ranch Seasoned Chicken Alfredo
First assemble the following ingredients:
- Olive oil (1 tbsp) – Olive oil adds a smooth, fruity base to the dish, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly while infusing a subtle richness.
- Chicken thighs (4) – Chicken thigh, with its juicy and tender meat, provides a flavorful and succulent protein component to the Alfredo.
- White wine or chicken stock (1/2 cup) – White wine introduces a bright acidity that balances the creaminess, while chicken stock adds depth and a savory backbone.
- Butter (4 oz) – Butter enriches the sauce, contributing a velvety texture and a layer of luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth flavor.
- Table cream (1 1/2 cups) – Table cream lends a silky, indulgent consistency to the Alfredo sauce, making it delightfully creamy.
- Parmesan (2 cups) – Grated Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, offering a nutty, salty bite that elevates the overall taste profile.
- Ranch dressing seasoning (2 tbsp) – Ranch dressing seasoning mixes in a zesty, herby dimension that uniquely distinguishes this Alfredo from traditional versions.
- Salt and Pepper – A simple seasoning of salt and pepper is essential to enhance and balance the flavors, bringing out the best in each ingredient.
Use this Method
Sear Chicken. Sprinkle a little ranch seasoning on chicken thighs (about a pinch per side), set aside. In a large pan, heat olive oil on medium high until shimmery. Add seasoned chicken thighs into pan. Cook each side until well browned, about 5 minutes per side.
Bake Chicken. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove from pan and add to oven to cook through. Drain off excess fat, but do not scrape browned bits from pan. When chicken is cooked to 175 degrees internally, add back to pan.
Make Sauce and Serve. Add wine or stock to pan to deglaze browned bits. Add butter and cream to pan, stirring frequently to mix. Add cheese to pan, and ranch seasoning. Serve immediately over pasta, zoodles, rice, or with steamed veggies. Enjoy
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Ranch Chicken Alfredo
Choose the Right Cut: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness and flavor, but if you prefer a leaner option, chicken breasts can work well too.
Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Cook your pasta al dente according to package instructions; it should be firm to the bite as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.
Season at Every Step: Season your chicken generously with salt and pepper before cooking, and don’t forget to season your pasta water with salt for added flavor.
Sear Chicken for Flavor: Ensure your pan is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a golden-brown sear, which adds depth to the dish’s flavor profile.
Deglaze the Pan: After cooking the chicken, deglaze the pan with white wine or chicken stock to incorporate the browned bits into your sauce for an extra flavor boost.
Low and Slow Cream Sauce: Cook your cream sauce on a low heat to prevent the dairy from separating and to achieve a smooth, velvety texture.
Freshly Grated Parmesan: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melt and flavor; pre-grated cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s smoothness.
Incorporate Ranch Gradually: Add ranch seasoning gradually, tasting as you go, to ensure the flavor complements rather than overwhelms the dish.
Rest the Chicken: Let your cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing; this helps retain its juices, keeping it moist and tender.
Finish Cooking in the Sauce: Add the al dente pasta to the sauce, allowing it to finish cooking for a minute or two; this helps the pasta absorb the flavors.
Reserve Pasta Water: Save some pasta water before draining; its starchiness can help adjust the sauce’s consistency if it becomes too thick.
Garnish Wisely: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives and extra Parmesan for a burst of color and flavor.
Adjust Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, gradually add in reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Serve Immediately: Alfredo sauce is best enjoyed fresh, so serve your Creamy Ranch Chicken Alfredo hot, right after combining the pasta and sauce.
FAQS
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk. Keep in mind that the sauce might be less creamy, but you can add a bit more Parmesan to help thicken it.
Avoid overcooking the chicken by using a meat thermometer to check for doneness—chicken is cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Letting it rest for a few minutes after cooking also helps retain moisture.
Creamy Ranch Chicken Alfredo is best enjoyed fresh, as the sauce can thicken and clump when cooled and reheated. If you need to prepare in advance, cook the pasta and chicken ahead of time and make the sauce just before serving, then combine.
If your sauce is too thin, continue to simmer it on low heat, allowing it to reduce and thicken. You can also add a bit more grated Parmesan cheese, which will help thicken the sauce as it melts.
Gently reheat leftovers over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of milk or cream to help the sauce come back together. Stir continuously to prevent the sauce from separating.
Yes, vegetables can be a great addition! Consider sautéing vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli and adding them to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
No, you can use either white wine or chicken stock based on your preference. White wine adds acidity and depth, while chicken stock keeps the dish savory. If you prefer not to use wine, chicken stock is a great alternative.
While pre-grated Parmesan is convenient, it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the smoothness of your sauce. For the best result, use freshly grated Parmesan.
To make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free pasta alternative and ensure that your ranch seasoning mix and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
What to Enjoy with Creamy Ranch Chicken Alfredo
Garlicky Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with a hint of garlic add a crispy, fresh contrast to the creamy pasta.
Roasted Asparagus: The slight bitterness and crisp texture of roasted asparagus can cut through the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad, with its crisp romaine lettuce and tangy dressing, offers a refreshing balance to the dish.
Herb and Cheese Breadsticks: Soft on the inside with a slightly crusty exterior, these breadsticks are perfect for soaking up the Alfredo sauce.
Steamed Broccoli: The slight bitterness and crunch of lightly steamed broccoli make it an ideal side, adding both color and a healthful element.
Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze can provide a light and refreshing counterpoint to the creamy pasta.
Roasted Carrots: Carrots roasted with herbs bring a sweet and savory element that pairs well with the savory ranch and Alfredo flavors.
Grilled Zucchini: Slices of zucchini grilled with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt offer a smoky, charred flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
Antipasto Salad: A vibrant antipasto salad with olives, artichokes, peppers, and Italian cheeses can introduce a variety of textures and flavors that contrast nicely with the dish.
Sautéed Spinach with Garlic: The simplicity of spinach sautéed with garlic and olive oil provides a delicate side that doesn’t overpower the main dish.
Ratatouille: This French vegetable stew, made with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes, adds a Mediterranean flair and a variety of textures.
Lemon Herb Roasted Potatoes: The zesty and herby flavors of these roasted potatoes can cut through the richness of the Alfredo, adding a satisfying crunch.
Cucumber Ribbon Salad: Thinly sliced cucumbers with a light vinaigrette can offer a cool and crisp contrast, refreshing the palate.
Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower: Cauliflower florets roasted with Parmesan cheese and herbs provide a nutty and savory side that echoes the Parmesan in the Alfredo sauce.
Italian Bread with Olive Oil and Balsamic Dip: A simple yet elegant starter, perfect for dipping into the creamy Alfredo sauce.
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Creamy Ranch Chicken Alfredo
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 large chicken thighs
- ½ cup white wine or chicken stock.
- 4 oz butter
- 1 ½ cups table cream
- 2 cups grated parmesan
- 2 tbsp ranch dressing seasoning
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Sprinkle a little ranch seasoning on chicken thighs (about a pinch per side), set aside.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil on medium high until shimmery.
- Add seasoned chicken thighs into pan.
- Cook each side until well browned, about 5 minutes per side.
- Remove from pan and add to oven to cook through.
- Drain off excess fat, but do not scrape browned bits from pan.
- Add wine or stock to pan to deglaze browned bits.
- Add butter and cream to pan, stirring frequently to mix.
- Add cheese to pan, and ranch seasoning.
- When chicken is cooked to 175 degrees internally, add back to pan.
- Serve immediately over pasta, zoodles, rice, or with steamed veggies.
- Enjoy
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
nice recipe, love that its not tasteless, boneless, skinless, but chicken thighs, thank you