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Creamy Ranch Chicken Penne Bake

A comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender penne pasta, juicy chicken, and a creamy ranch sauce, perfect for family gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken Ingredients
  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup cooked spinach (optional) Can be added for extra nutrition
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking chicken
  • to taste salt and pepper For seasoning chicken

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil, add the penne pasta, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, add to the skillet, and cook until golden brown, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and let cool slightly before cutting into bite-sized pieces.
Mixing and Baking
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and cooked chicken; stir until well combined.
  2. Add cooked penne and spinach (if using) to the sauce mixture and mix until pasta is evenly coated.
  3. Transfer mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
  4. Place dish in preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until top is golden and bubbly.
Serving
  1. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Creamy Ranch Chicken Penne Bake while it’s warm!

Notes

For a healthier twist, consider using whole grain pasta or swapping chicken for grilled vegetables. Avoid overcooking the pasta before mixing, and don’t overload the baking dish with sauce.