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Crack Chicken Penne - Creamy Ranch Pasta with Turkey & Cheddar

This creamy crack chicken penne is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in just one pot with tender chicken, rich cream cheese, zesty ranch seasoning, and melted cheddar. The creamy sauce clings to every piece of penne pasta, creating a rich and comforting meal that's both family-friendly and impressive enough for guests.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb boneless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 4 oz turkey ham, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, add diced onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the penne pasta, chicken broth, and milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
  3. Stir in the ranch seasoning and black pepper. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
  4. Reduce heat to low and add the cooked chicken back to the pot along with diced turkey ham. Stir in cream cheese and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  5. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional shredded cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

For the creamiest results, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the pasta. This helps it melt smoothly into the sauce without clumping.