Ultimate Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe – Comforting Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake

This crack chicken pasta recipe is the ultimate comfort food that will have your family begging for seconds! With creamy ranch-seasoned chicken, savory turkey ham, and plenty of melted cheese, this one-pan wonder comes together in under 30 minutes for the perfect weeknight dinner. The combination of flavors is so addictive that it’s earned the nickname “crack” chicken for good reason!

If you love easy pasta dishes, you’ll also enjoy our Ultimate Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake for another delicious dinner option.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 4 oz turkey ham, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 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 butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add cubed chicken to the skillet and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Stir in the diced turkey ham and ranch seasoning mix, cooking for 2 minutes to combine flavors.

Step 5: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Stir in half of the shredded cheeses until melted.

Step 7: Top with remaining cheese, cover the skillet, and cook for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Expert Tips

For the best results, make sure to cube your chicken into even-sized pieces so they cook uniformly. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water during step 5. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables.

If you’re looking for more comforting pasta dishes, try our Creamy Chicken Ranch Pasta or our Ultimate Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta for variety.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! This recipe works well with most pasta shapes. Penne, rotini, bowtie, or elbow macaroni all work beautifully.

How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to refresh the sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish through step 6, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, top with remaining cheese and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through and bubbly.

For more easy dinner inspiration, check out our Ultimate Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole for another family favorite.

Ultimate Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe – Comforting Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake

This crack chicken pasta recipe is the ultimate comfort food featuring creamy ranch-seasoned chicken, savory turkey ham, and melted cheese. This one-pan wonder comes together in under 30 minutes for a perfect weeknight dinner that’s so addictive it earned the nickname ‘crack’ chicken.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 520

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 4 oz turkey ham, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Method

 

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. While pasta cooks, heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add cubed chicken to the skillet and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Stir in the diced turkey ham and ranch seasoning mix, cooking for 2 minutes to combine flavors.
5. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Stir in half of the shredded cheeses until melted.
7. Top with remaining cheese, cover the skillet, and cook for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, cube chicken into even-sized pieces for uniform cooking. For thicker sauce, add 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with water during step 5. Can be made ahead by preparing through step 6 and refrigerating, then baking at 350°F for 20-25 minutes when ready to serve.