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Quick Crack Chicken Penne

Quick Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy, and addictive pasta dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful seasonings, and perfectly cooked penne in a luscious sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes,
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Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 packet 1 oz ranch seasoning mix
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened and cubed
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta
  • In a large pot, cook penne pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
  • Cook the Chicken
  • In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Make the Sauce
  • Lower the heat to medium and sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the chicken. Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
  • Add cream cheese cubes and stir until melted and smooth.
  • Combine and Finish
  • Add the cooked penne pasta back into the pot, tossing to coat it evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
  • Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  • Garnish and Serve
  • Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!