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Crack Chicken Penne - Creamy Turkey Ham Cheddar Pasta for Quick Weeknight Dinners

This creamy chicken penne with ranch flavors and savory turkey ham is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights. The one-pot wonder combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich cream cheese sauce that comes together in minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup diced turkey ham
  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup milk or heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add chicken broth to the skillet and bring to a boil. Stir in the penne pasta and reduce heat to medium. Cook pasta according to package directions, stirring occasionally.
  4. While pasta cooks, add the diced turkey ham to the skillet and stir to combine. Once pasta is al dente, reduce heat to low.
  5. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet along with cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and milk. Stir continuously until cream cheese melts and creates a smooth sauce.
  6. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For an extra rich sauce, use heavy cream instead of milk and add an additional 2 ounces of cream cheese. This dish reheats beautifully for meal prep and can be customized with different proteins or vegetables.