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Crack Chicken Penne

A creamy and savory pasta dish featuring tender chicken, rich sauce, and perfectly cooked penne, making it a delightful meal for any occasion.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 8 ounces penne pasta
Chicken
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
Sauce
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by boiling a pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the diced chicken. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
  3. Lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth gradually while stirring until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
  4. Add the ranch seasoning mix and stir until fully incorporated. Gradually add the shredded cheese, mixing until melted and well combined.
  5. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat all the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
  6. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot!

Notes

For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese. Add veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli for extra nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of chicken broth.