Discover the Comfort of Delicious Crack Chicken Penne

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Rich, creamy, and undeniably addictive — Delicious Crack Chicken Penne is the kind of dish that brings comfort to the soul and joy to the table. Perfectly seared, juicy chicken is tossed with penne pasta in a luscious cheese sauce infused with ranch seasoning and crispy bacon bits. It’s the kind of dinner that wraps you in a warm culinary hug after a long day, delivering both flavor and satisfaction in every bite.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy easy dinner recipe, a hearty family meal, or just a quick weeknight dinner idea, this creamy penne pasta is here to deliver. The combination of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and savory ranch makes this a guaranteed crowd-pleaser — even the picky eaters will ask for seconds. It’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or those nights when you’re craving something indulgent and delicious.

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Ingredients for Delicious Crack Chicken Penne

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 6 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Delicious Crack Chicken Penne

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

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Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through — about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

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Step 3: Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce

In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the ranch seasoning mix and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Allow the sauce to reduce slightly, about 3–4 minutes.

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Step 4: Add Cheeses

Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.

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Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta and seared chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly in the cheesy ranch sauce.

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Step 6: Add Bacon and Garnish

Sprinkle in the crumbled bacon and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to let everything heat through. Top with chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color.

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Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot and fresh from the skillet. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

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Part 3: Storage Instructions

To keep your Delicious Crack Chicken Penne tasting fresh and flavorful, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the creaminess. You can also microwave it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

If you’d like to freeze this dish, allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Keep in mind the texture of the sauce may change slightly after freezing due to the cream.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and based on a 6-serving yield.

• Calories: 580 kcal
• Protein: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 110mg
• Sodium: 840mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

### 1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Penne is ideal for holding the creamy sauce, but you can substitute with rotini, rigatoni, or even fettuccine.

### 2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just use gluten-free pasta and ensure your ranch seasoning mix is gluten-free as well.

### 3. What cheese works best in this recipe?

Cheddar and Parmesan offer a perfect balance, but you can try mozzarella for extra creaminess or a sharp cheddar for more bite.

### 4. Can I add vegetables?

Definitely! Broccoli, spinach, or peas make great additions. Just steam or sauté them before adding.

### 5. Is there a lighter version of this dish?

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reduce the cheese, and use turkey bacon.

### 6. What if I don’t have ranch seasoning?

You can mix your own using garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, parsley, chives, and a bit of salt and pepper.

### 7. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep. Just reheat gently and add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce thickens too much.

### 8. What protein alternatives can I use?

Try cooked turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even grilled shrimp for a fun twist on the original.

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