Cheesy Ranch Chicken & Garlic Butter Fettuccine

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Rich, creamy, and packed with bold flavor, Cheesy Ranch Chicken & Garlic Butter Fettuccine is comfort food at its finest. This dish brings together tender strips of seasoned chicken, velvety garlic butter fettuccine, and a luscious cheesy ranch sauce that coats every bite. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.

Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner in, this recipe offers the ultimate fusion of creamy pasta and savory chicken. The garlic butter adds depth and aroma, while the ranch seasoning brings a tangy kick that pairs beautifully with the rich cheese blend. Whether you’re after quick dinner ideas or a crowd-pleasing weekend meal, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

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Ingredients for Cheesy Ranch Chicken & Garlic Butter Fettuccine

• 12 oz fettuccine pasta
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup chopped parsley (for garnish)
• Optional: red pepper flakes or diced tomatoes for added flavor

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Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions (usually around 10–12 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

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Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and half of the ranch seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

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Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir frequently to avoid burning.

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Step 4: Create the Creamy Ranch Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and the remaining ranch seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir in the cheddar and parmesan cheeses, mixing until fully melted and smooth.

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Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked fettuccine and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and the chicken is nestled throughout. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with freshly chopped parsley, a dash of black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes or diced tomatoes for an extra flavor pop. Serve hot and enjoy your irresistible Cheesy Ranch Chicken & Garlic Butter Fettuccine!

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Cheesy Ranch Chicken & Garlic Butter Fettuccine fresh and delicious, follow these simple storage tips:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. The creamy sauce may thicken in the fridge, but it can be loosened with a splash of milk or cream when reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until evenly heated. Add a bit of reserved pasta water, cream, or milk to restore creaminess.
• Freezing: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if needed, you can freeze this dish. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition (per serving — based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 610 kcal
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 33g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Cholesterol: 115mg
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken instead?

Absolutely! It’s a great time-saver. Just shred and add it in during the final steps of the recipe.

2. What type of cheese works best?

A blend of cheddar and parmesan gives the best creamy, tangy combo. Mozzarella or Colby Jack can also be used.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for a hearty meat-free version.

4. Is ranch seasoning necessary?

It’s key to the flavor profile, but if needed, you can substitute with a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, dill, parsley, and a pinch of salt.

5. How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Reserve some pasta water when draining—it helps loosen the sauce while keeping it silky.

6. Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes! Penne, linguine, or spaghetti all work beautifully in place of fettuccine.

7. Is this dish spicy?

Not inherently. But you can add red pepper flakes or diced chili for a spicy kick.

8. What can I serve on the side?

Try garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

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