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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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
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.