Zesty Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad #RSC Recipe

Name: Zesty Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad #RSC
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes; 2 tablespoons lemon zest; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 4 teaspoons salt, divided; 2 teaspoons black pepper, divided; 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1 (1 ounce) packet Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing and Seasoning Mix, divided; 2 cups fresh spinach; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut into halves; ½ cup scallion, thinly sliced; 1 cup mozzarella cheese cubes; 1 ½ cups whole wheat penne, uncooked; ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated; 2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning; ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil, divided; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; ½ cup balsamic vinegar

Servings: persons

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
2 tablespoons lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
4 teaspoons salt, divided
2 teaspoons black pepper, divided
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 (1 ounce) packet Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing and Seasoning Mix, divided
2 cups fresh spinach
2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut into halves
½ cup scallion, thinly sliced
1 cup mozzarella cheese cubes
1 ½ cups whole wheat penne, uncooked
¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
½ cup balsamic vinegar

1
In quart size sandwich baggie add lemon zest , 2 tsp salt,1 tsp black pepper, crushed red pepper and 1/2 packet Hidden Valley seasoning mix.
2
Toss Chicken in 2 tablespoons lemon juice.
3
Shake to drain lightly.
4
In 3 to 4 batches shake chicken breast cubes to coat all sides.
5
Remove and place on a plate.
6
After all chicken has been coated discard mixture and baggie.
7
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in large saute pan.
8
Saute chicken until golden brown and thoroughly cooked.
9
While chicken cooks, prepare penne pasta according to package directions.
10
Remove chicken from pan and place in large mixing bowl.
11
Pour spinach over chicken and cover to allow spinach to wilt.
12
Drain pasta well and pour on top of chicken and spinach.
13
Toss well.
14
Allow to cool 5 minutes.
15
In small mixing bowl whisk remaining olive oil, Italian seasoning, remaining Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix, Dijon mustard and Balsamic Vinegar until well blended.
16
Set aside.
17
To chicken mixture add cherry tomato halves, scallion slices and Mozzarella Cheese cubes.
18
Toss well.
19
Pour dressing over pasta mixture.
20
Sprinkle with remaining salt and black pepper.
21
Toss Well.
22
Sprinkle with grated Parmesan Cheese.
23
Serves well warm or cold.

625

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 17 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes, 2 tablespoons lemon zest, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 4 teaspoons salt, divided, and more.

Yes, Zesty Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad #RSC falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Zesty Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad #RSC

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions