Description
Comfort meets culinary delight in this chicken ranch macaroni and cheese, blending hearty proteins with zesty ranch seasoning. Cheesy, creamy goodness awaits you, promising a satisfying meal that brings warmth and flavor to any dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Pasta and Seasonings:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Cheese and Sauce Components:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (optional, for thinning sauce)
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the protein by generously coating chicken with aromatic seasonings, creating a flavor base that will elevate the entire dish.
- Sear the seasoned chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil, developing a golden-brown exterior while ensuring the meat remains juicy and tender.
- Allow the cooked chicken to rest briefly, then slice into delectable bite-sized morsels that will distribute perfectly throughout the macaroni.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, creating the ideal environment for cooking the pasta to al dente perfection.
- Drain the macaroni thoroughly, preserving a small amount of starchy cooking liquid that can help adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Create a velvety roux in the same skillet by melting butter and whisking in flour, developing a rich foundation for the creamy sauce.
- Slowly introduce milk to the roux, whisking continuously to eliminate any potential lumps and create a smooth, silky base.
- Infuse the sauce with tangy ranch dressing, then gently fold in a blend of melted cheeses until the mixture becomes luxuriously creamy.
- Incorporate the sliced chicken and cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every morsel is generously coated with the decadent mixture.
- Adjust the sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water if needed, creating a perfectly creamy texture.
- Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and subtle herbaceous note, then serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Customize chicken seasoning by experimenting with different spice blends like Cajun, Italian, or herbes de Provence for varied flavor profiles.
- Use rotisserie chicken as a quick time-saving alternative when short on cooking time or wanting a faster meal preparation.
- Consider gluten-free modifications by replacing regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with low-fat milk or use Greek yogurt instead of some cheese to reduce overall calorie content while maintaining creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg