Western Ranch Pasta Delight

$- 8 oz. penne pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup sweet corn, frozen or fresh - 1 red bell pepper, diced - ½ cup red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded (optional for added protein) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup ranch dressing - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) In this recipe, I use penne pasta as the base. It holds sauce well and gives a nice bite. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Sweet corn brings a crunch that balances the dish. The red bell pepper and onion give it depth and flavor. You can add chicken for protein. If you skip it, the dish still tastes great. The spices make every bite pop. Olive oil adds a silky texture. Garlic powder and onion powder enhance the taste without extra work. For the garnishes, ranch dressing adds creaminess. Shredded cheddar cheese gives a rich, cheesy flavor. Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness. These ingredients come together to make a tasty meal. For the full ingredient list, check the Full Recipe. Start by boiling your penne pasta. Use a large pot of salted water. Cook it until al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Next, grab a large skillet and heat up one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped red onion and diced red bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes and sweet corn. Cook these for another 2-3 minutes until they’re hot. Now it's time to mix everything. If you want more protein, stir in the shredded chicken. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the veggies. Next, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Pour in the ranch dressing and toss everything together until well-coated. Finally, sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until it melts and blends in nicely. Serve your Western Ranch Pasta Delight warm, and enjoy this tasty and simple meal! For more detailed cooking instructions and proportions, refer to the Full Recipe for Western Ranch Pasta Delight. To get the perfect pasta texture, cook your penne pasta until it's al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Follow the package instructions carefully. Drain the pasta quickly to stop the cooking process. When sautéing vegetables, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and bell peppers first. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes. This softens them and brings out their flavors. Then, add cherry tomatoes and sweet corn. Cook for 2 to 3 more minutes until everything is warm. For added flavor, consider fresh herbs like basil or parsley. You can also use spices like paprika or cumin for a twist. If you want an alternative to ranch dressing, try a yogurt-based dressing or a creamy avocado sauce. These options keep the dish fresh and tasty. Pair your Western Ranch Pasta Delight with a simple green salad. A side of garlic bread also works great. For plating, serve the pasta in bowls. Top each bowl with extra cheese and a sprinkle of parsley. For some crunch, add tortilla strips on top. This adds texture and makes the dish fun to eat. {{image_2}} If you want a vegetarian twist, skip the chicken. You can add more veggies instead. Try using extra bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. These will add flavor and texture. You can also toss in some spinach for a pop of color. This way, you keep it healthy and tasty. For a gluten-free version, swap penne pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer tasty options made from rice or chickpeas. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package. This change keeps the dish yummy without gluten. You can easily change the flavors of this dish. Try adding different proteins like shrimp or tofu. If you love spice, consider adding spicy sausage or diced jalapeños. For sauces, ranch dressing is classic, but you can try a creamy garlic sauce or a zesty vinaigrette. The options are endless, and you can make it your own! Store any leftover Western Ranch Pasta Delight in an airtight container. Glass containers work best for keeping your food fresh. Make sure to let the pasta cool before sealing the lid. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make your pasta soggy. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat the pasta, use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, place the pasta in a bowl with a splash of water. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps keep the pasta moist and tasty. On the stovetop, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a bit of ranch dressing or olive oil to prevent sticking. If you want to freeze the pasta, first let it cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, move the pasta to the fridge overnight. Reheat it as mentioned above for the best flavor. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. To prep, cook the pasta and veggies first. Let them cool before combining. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, just reheat the pasta in a skillet. This saves time and keeps your meal quick and easy. If you want a change, you can use other dressings. Try blue cheese dressing for a bold taste. Italian dressing adds a nice zing. For a creamy twist, use Caesar dressing. Each option gives a new flavor to the dish. To add heat, include diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also use spicy ranch dressing if you like it hotter. Another idea is to mix in hot sauce for a kick. Adjust the heat to match your taste. For detailed cooking instructions and proportions, refer to the Full Recipe for Western Ranch Pasta Delight. This blog post explored how to make a tasty dish using penne pasta and fresh veggies. You learned about the key ingredients, the steps to create the meal, and tips to help along the way. Remember, you can customize this recipe to fit your taste. Whether you go vegetarian, gluten-free, or want a spicy twist, get creative! Enjoy making Western Ranch Pasta Delight, and share it with your friends and family. It’s a fun dish for any occasion.$

Discover the savory goodness of Western Ranch Pasta Delight in this easy recipe! With colorful veggies, tender chicken (optional), and creamy ranch dressing, it’s a perfect weeknight meal. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a delightful pasta dish that combines fresh flavors and convenience. Click through to explore the full recipe and tips for serving! Your taste buds will thank you for this delicious addition to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

8 oz. penne pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup sweet corn, frozen or fresh

1 red bell pepper, diced

½ cup red onion, finely chopped

1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded (optional for added protein)

1 cup ranch dressing

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and bell pepper, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until they are softened.

Add the cherry tomatoes and sweet corn to the skillet, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.

If using, stir in the shredded cooked chicken breast, mixing well with the vegetables.

Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the mixture, stirring to combine.

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and pour the ranch dressing over everything. Toss until the pasta and vegetables are well-coated with the dressing.

Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and evenly distributed.

Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh parsley for an extra touch.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 30 mins | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve in individual bowls, with a sprinkle of additional cheese on top and a sprig of parsley for garnish. Consider adding some crunchy tortilla strips for extra texture!