Crack Chicken Penne – Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta with Turkey
Crack Chicken Penne – Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta with Turkey
This crack chicken penne is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in just 30 minutes! Creamy ranch sauce, tender chicken, and savory turkey create a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.
What makes this recipe so special is how effortlessly it comes together. With simple ingredients and one pot cooking, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table faster than you can say “dinner’s ready!” The combination of creamy sauce, perfectly cooked penne, and flavorful protein makes this dish a family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 8 oz turkey, diced
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. Add turkey and cook for another 3-4 minutes until both are cooked through.
Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add ranch seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper, stirring to coat the chicken and turkey.
Step 4: Add cream cheese, chicken broth, and milk to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and forms a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step 5: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the creamy sauce. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and well combined.
Step 6: Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Expert Tips
Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook your penne just until al dente since it will continue to cook in the sauce. This prevents mushy pasta and ensures the perfect bite every time.
Creamy Sauce Secret: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the skillet. This helps it melt smoothly into the sauce without any lumps.
Meal Prep Friendly: This dish reheats beautifully! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add a splash of milk when reheating to restore the creamy consistency.
If you love creamy pasta dishes, you’ll adore our creamy marry me chicken pasta for another delicious dinner option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully, you can use any short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle. The ridges help hold the creamy sauce perfectly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little kick. You could also use spicy ranch seasoning if available.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately, then combine when ready to serve. The flavors actually develop even more when made ahead.
For more quick and easy dinner ideas, check out our creamy cowboy butter chicken pasta or our Cajun sausage rice skillet for delicious one-pan meals.
This crack chicken penne is the perfect solution for those nights when you want something comforting, creamy, and completely satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of ranch flavor, tender chicken, and creamy sauce over perfectly cooked penne creates a dish that will quickly become a regular in your dinner rotation!
Crack Chicken Penne – Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta with Turkey
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. Add turkey and cook for another 3-4 minutes until both are cooked through.
- Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add ranch seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper, stirring to coat the chicken and turkey.
- Add cream cheese, chicken broth, and milk to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and forms a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the creamy sauce. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and well combined.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
