Description
This creamy crack chicken bowtie pasta is the ultimate one-pot comfort food. Juicy chicken, melty cheddar, and ranch seasoning come together in a rich cream cheese sauce that coats every bite of tender bowtie noodles.
Ingredients
12 ounces bowtie pasta
1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1-ounce ranch seasoning packet
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup whole milk
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the bowtie pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken, half the ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Reduce heat to low and stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.
4. Pour in chicken broth and stir until combined. Add cheddar cheese and milk. Stir in the remaining ranch seasoning.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together and simmer on low for 3–5 minutes until creamy and well combined.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth melting.
Substitute rotisserie chicken for a shortcut version.
If reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: creamy crack chicken bowties, chicken pasta, ranch chicken pasta