Description
This One-Pot Creamy Chicken Cheddar Ranch Pasta is a quick and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Ground chicken is cooked with minced garlic and flavorful ranch seasoning, then simmered with penne pasta in a creamy blend of chicken broth and milk. The addition of cream cheese and shredded cheddar makes the sauce rich and cheesy, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions adds a fresh finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty pasta combines ease and deliciousness all in one pot for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Seasonings
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Liquids and Dairy
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk (whole milk recommended)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
Optional Garnish
- 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 and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add seasoning: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the cooked chicken. Stir well to coat the meat completely with the seasoning.
- Add liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and milk. Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook the pasta: Add the uncooked penne pasta to the skillet. Cover the pan 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.
- Melt the cream cheese: Stir in the softened cream cheese until it melts and incorporates smoothly into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
- Add cheddar cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until it fully melts and the sauce becomes thick and velvety.
- Season to taste: Add salt and black pepper as needed to adjust the flavor. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen the consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use whole milk for the creamiest sauce, but you can substitute with 2% milk for a lighter version.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne with the ranch seasoning.
- Make sure to stir occasionally while cooking the pasta to avoid it sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Feel free to substitute penne with other pasta types like rotini or shells if desired.
