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Creamy Ranch Chicken Penne

A comforting bowl of pasta featuring tender chicken, creamy ranch sauce, and al dente penne pasta, perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 ounces penne pasta Cooked to al dente
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing the chicken
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 packet ranch dressing mix Provides all the ranch flavor
  • 1 cup milk To create a creamy sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream Adds richness
  • Salt and pepper to taste Essential for seasoning
  • Fresh parsley (optional) For garnish

Method
 

Cooking
  1. In a large pot, boil salted water and add the penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
  3. Reduce the heat to low. Add the ranch dressing mix, milk, and heavy cream to the chicken in the skillet. Stir well to combine, and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Add the cooked penne to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the creamy ranch sauce.
  5. Spoon the creamy ranch chicken penne into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy!

Notes

For a homemade ranch taste, try making your ranch seasoning by mixing dried herbs (dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder) with salt and pepper. If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 days. Reheat in a microwave-safe bowl, adding a splash of milk to ensure the sauce stays creamy.