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A bowl of creamy Crack Chicken Penne garnished with fresh parsley, served in a white dish on a wooden table.

Crack Chicken Penne

Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy, and delicious one-pot pasta dish that combines tender chicken, rich cheese, and flavorful seasonings for a satisfying meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven
  • Mixing Spoon

Ingredients
  

Ingredients for Crack Chicken Penne

  • 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces.
  • 1 packet Ranch Seasoning Mix Store-bought or homemade.
  • 8 oz Penne Pasta Can substitute with short pasta like rotini or farfalle.
  • 4 cups Chicken Broth Use low-sodium for less salt.
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese For a creamy sauce.
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Freshly grated preferred.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Chopped, for garnish.

Instructions
 

  • 1. Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
  • 2. Add the Ranch Seasoning: Sprinkle ranch seasoning over the chicken and stir to coat.
  • 3. Cook the Pasta: Add penne pasta and chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until pasta is al dente.
  • 4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in cream cheese until melted and combined with the pasta.
  • 5. Add the Cheddar Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • 6. Finish the Dish: Remove from heat, let sit for a few minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Notes

For a healthier version, consider using whole wheat pasta and reducing the cheese.
Keyword Easy