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Creamy Chicken Penne: Quick Weeknight Comfort Food

This creamy chicken penne pasta comes together in minutes for a quick weeknight comfort meal. The rich combination of ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and tender chicken creates a satisfying one-pot wonder that feels indulgent yet is easy to make.
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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 penne pasta
  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
  3. Add aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Create the sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and chicken broth. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
  5. Combine everything: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet along with milk. Stir until everything is well coated with the creamy sauce.
  6. Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir until melted and incorporated.
  7. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

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