Description
This One-Pot Creamy Chicken Cheddar Ranch Pasta is a quick and comforting meal featuring ground chicken simmered with ranch seasoning, penne pasta, and a creamy blend of cheddar and cream cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, offering a rich, cheesy dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Dairy
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 cups milk (whole milk recommended)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
Dry Ingredients
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 8 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
Liquids and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
Seasonings and Garnish
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground chicken and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its aroma.
- Add the ranch seasoning: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the browned chicken and stir well to evenly coat the meat.
- Add liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Cook the pasta: Add the uncooked penne pasta to the skillet. Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid.
- Incorporate cream cheese: Stir in the softened cream cheese until fully melted and blended into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
- Add cheddar cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until it melts completely and the sauce becomes rich and creamy.
- Season: Taste and season with salt and black pepper as desired. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to adjust consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or green onions before serving for a fresh, colorful finish.
Notes
- Using whole milk enhances the creaminess of the sauce, but you can substitute with 2% or milk alternatives if preferred.
- Make sure to stir occasionally during pasta cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the ranch seasoning.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe can be adapted to use ground turkey or beef as alternatives to ground chicken.
