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Crack Chicken Penne - Creamy Ranch Pasta with Chicken and Cheese

This creamy chicken penne pasta is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in under 30 minutes with tender chicken, rich cream cheese, zesty ranch seasoning, and melted cheddar. It's a perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 580
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper during cooking.
  3. Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the ranch seasoning packet and stir to coat the chicken evenly.
  5. Add softened cream cheese, milk, and sour cream to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
  6. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  7. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

For creamiest results, ensure cream cheese is fully softened before adding. Reserve pasta water to help bind sauce to pasta and create perfect creamy texture. Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas for extra vegetables.