Creamy Chicken Turkey Ham Ranch Pasta Dinner (Print Version)
Enjoy a hearty, creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, savory turkey ham, and a zesty ranch sauce. A satisfying meal for any weeknight.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ The Comfort Core
01 -
12 oz penne pasta
02 -
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
03 -
6 oz diced turkey ham
→ Ranch Infusion & Creamy Embrace
04 -
2 tbsp dry ranch seasoning mix
05 -
4 oz cream cheese, softened
06 -
1 cup whole milk
07 -
1 cup shredded cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese blend
→ Aromatic Foundation & Seasoning Spark
08 -
1 tbsp olive oil
09 -
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
10 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
11 -
1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
12 -
1/4 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
13 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 oz penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use if needed. This is the foundation for your Creamy Chicken Turkey Ham Ranch Pasta: Ultimate Comfort!.
02 -
While the pasta cooks, cut the 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast into 1-inch cubes. Dice the 1/2 medium yellow onion and mince the 2 cloves garlic. Ensure the 6 oz diced turkey ham is ready to go. This prep ensures a smooth cooking process for your ultimate comfort dish.
03 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with 1/4 tsp black pepper and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
04 -
In the same skillet, add the diced 1/2 medium yellow onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced 2 cloves garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the 6 oz diced turkey ham and cook for 2-3 minutes to warm through.
05 -
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the 4 oz softened cream cheese and 1 cup whole milk to the skillet. Whisk continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Stir in the 2 tbsp dry ranch seasoning mix, ensuring no lumps remain. This forms the creamy embrace for your Creamy Chicken Turkey Ham Ranch Pasta: Ultimate Comfort!.
06 -
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained 12 oz penne pasta and 1 cup shredded cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese blend. Stir gently until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined and heated through. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
07 -
Taste the Creamy Chicken Turkey Ham Ranch Pasta: Ultimate Comfort! and adjust salt and black pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished generously with 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful meal!
# Notes:
01 -
Feel free to swap penne for another short pasta like rotini or farfalle. For a leaner option, use turkey breast instead of chicken.
02 -
Leftovers of this Creamy Chicken Turkey Ham Ranch Pasta store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water if needed to restore creaminess.
03 -
For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can also brighten up the flavors beautifully.
04 -
Boost the nutrition by stirring in a cup of frozen peas or chopped spinach during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing them to warm through with the pasta.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Measuring cups and spoons
06 -
Wooden spoon or spatula
07 -
Colander
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 780 kcal
Total Fat: 31 g
Total Carbohydrate: 72 g
Protein: 54 g