Description
Unleash the flavor! Our creamy, quick Penne combines tangy Ranch seasoning with rich cream cheese and tender shredded chicken. A weeknight winner ready in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound Penne Pasta
- 2 cups cooked, shredded Chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese, cut into cubes
- 1 (1 ounce) packet Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix
- 1 cup Chicken Broth (low sodium)
- 1 cup Shredded Monterey Jack or Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 8 slices Turkey Bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining; set the pasta aside.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken broth and the dry Ranch seasoning mix, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Step 3: Reduce the heat to low, then add the cubed cream cheese. Stir constantly until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Once smooth, stir in the shredded chicken.
- Step 4: Add the cooked and drained penne pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently until the pasta is fully coated. If the sauce appears too thick, stir in a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water.
- Step 5: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheese and half of the crumbled beef bacon until the cheese is melted and gooey. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining beef bacon.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; the sauce will thicken considerably upon cooling, so you may need extra moisture later.
- For the best texture, reheat individual portions slowly on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or extra chicken broth to restore creaminess and prevent the cheese from separating.
- Balance the richness of this cheesy pasta by serving alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette or a side of lightly steamed, garlicky broccoli.
- Ensure the heat is truly low when melting the cream cheese in Step 3; high heat can cause the sauce to seize or break, resulting in a grainy texture instead of the required smooth creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups prepared pasta mixture
- Calories: 685
- Sodium: 1180mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g