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Cheesy Ranch Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 113 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Find it online: https://hannahdelgado.com/cheesy-ranch-chicken-pasta-recipe/