Description
A creamy and flavorful Chicken Ranch Pasta Meal Prep made with tender shredded chicken, ranch seasoning, penne pasta, smooth cream cheese, melted cheddar, and fresh parsley. The dish cooks in one pot and reheats beautifully for convenient make ahead meals.
Ingredients
2 cups shredded chicken cooked
1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix
8 ounces penne pasta uncooked
3 and a half cups chicken broth
4 ounces cream cheese such as Philadelphia Original or Simple Truth
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese such as Tillamook Medium Cheddar or Cabot Cheddar
1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
Combine the shredded chicken with the dry ranch seasoning until evenly coated.
Add the chicken broth, uncooked penne pasta, and the seasoned chicken to a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
Lower the heat, cover the pot, and cook until the pasta softens and absorbs most of the broth, leaving some liquid in the bottom to help form the sauce.
Add the softened cream cheese and stir until it melts completely into the pasta.
Add the shredded cheddar and continue stirring until all the cheese melts and blends into a smooth creamy sauce.
Stir in fresh parsley and serve warm or portion into containers for meal prep.
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese for easier melting and a smoother sauce.
Freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly compared to pre shredded cheese.
Leave a small amount of broth in the pot before adding the cheeses to help create a velvety sauce.
Sauce thickens as it cools so avoid adding extra cheese too early.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American