Description
A creamy, cheesy one-pot pasta dish that’s loaded with tender chicken, penne pasta, and a luscious ranch-flavored sauce. Quick, easy, and family-friendly, this recipe is sure to become a weeknight favorite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Optional: 1 cup fresh spinach or broccoli (for extra veggies)
- Garnish: Fresh parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken:
Season the chicken pieces with half the ranch seasoning mix and sear them in a large skillet until golden brown. Remove and set aside. - Cook the Pasta and Broth:
In the same skillet, add the uncooked penne and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook the pasta until tender, stirring occasionally. - Prepare the Sauce:
Lower the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, remaining ranch seasoning, and heavy cream. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy. - Combine and Finish:
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir until fully coated in the sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed. - Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or green onions for garnish. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and milk instead of heavy cream.
- Freeze the sauce separately for up to 3 months; cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.
- Add extra veggies like peas, spinach, or broccoli for a more nutritious dish.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Trans Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
Keywords: Crack Chicken Penne, One-pot pasta recipe, Creamy chicken pasta, Ranch chicken pasta, Easy dinner recipes,