Cheesy Ranch Chicken Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Cheesy Ranch Chicken Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and zesty ranch seasoning with perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s an easy one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded chicken, cooked
- 1 package (1 ounce) dry ranch seasoning mix*
- 8 ounces penne noodles, uncooked
- 3 ½ cups chicken broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the shredded chicken and dry ranch seasoning mix to create the chicken mixture.
- Step 2: In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, add the chicken broth, penne noodles, and the chicken mixture. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Step 3: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the pasta is tender. There should still be some liquid remaining in the pot once the pasta is cooked.
- Step 4: Add the cream cheese to the pot and stir until most of it has melted and blended into the sauce.
- Step 5: Stir in the cooked crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is creamy.
- Step 6: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Start with half the ranch seasoning mix and adjust to taste for a milder flavor.
- Swap penne for rotini or elbow macaroni if preferred.
- Add some steamed broccoli or peas for extra veggies and color.
- Use smoked gouda or mozzarella instead of cheddar for a different cheese flavor.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked shredded chicken?
Yes, you can cook and shred fresh chicken beforehand or use leftover rotisserie chicken. Just ensure the chicken is fully cooked before mixing it in with the other ingredients.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
While it can be frozen, the texture of the pasta may change slightly. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
PrintCheesy Ranch Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Cheesy Ranch Chicken Pasta is a comforting one-pot meal combining tender shredded chicken seasoned with ranch mix, penne pasta cooked in chicken broth, and a creamy blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and crispy bacon. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups shredded chicken, cooked
- 1 package (1 ounce) dry ranch seasoning mix
Pasta and Cooking Liquid
- 8 ounces penne noodles, uncooked
- 3 ½ cups chicken broth
Cheese and Toppings
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with the dry ranch seasoning mix. This will infuse the chicken with the signature tangy ranch flavor and create the base seasoning for the dish.
- Cook Pasta and Chicken Together: In a large Dutch oven set over medium heat, add the chicken broth, penne noodles, and the chicken mixture. Stir everything together to combine evenly. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the penne pasta is cooked to your preferred tenderness. Some cooking liquid should remain when the pasta is ready to ensure creaminess.
- Melt Cream Cheese: Add the cream cheese directly into the Dutch oven. Stir continuously until most of the cream cheese has melted into the broth, creating a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken.
- Add Bacon and Cheddar Cheese: Mix in the cooked, crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir thoroughly until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated, enriching the dish with savory bacon bits and gooey cheddar layers.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the final dish for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can start with 1/2 an ounce of the ranch seasoning mix and then taste test to adjust according to your preference. 1 ounce has been tested for the best flavor balance.
Keywords: Cheesy Ranch Chicken Pasta, one-pot pasta, chicken pasta recipe, creamy chicken pasta, ranch seasoning pasta, bacon cheddar pasta
