Must-Try Crack Chicken Penne Recipe for Everyone

Crack chicken penne is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that combines comfort with bold flavor.

Tender pieces of chicken mix with penne noodles, all coated in a smooth sauce that feels hearty and satisfying.

The blend of cream cheese, ranch-style seasonings, and cheddar creates a rich base that clings perfectly to the pasta.

A touch of seasoning adds depth, while the creamy texture makes the dish filling and indulgent.

It’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet flavorful enough to serve for gatherings with family or friends.

The recipe uses straightforward ingredients to create a dish that tastes far more impressive than the effort required.

Crack Chicken Penne – What to Expect

• Whip Up Comfort Goodness: Creamy, cheesy penne loaded with chicken creates the ultimate satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Transform Weeknight Dinners: Quick one-skillet preparation means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, making this recipe perfect for busy families seeking delicious solutions.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple ingredient swaps like using different meats, cheese varieties, or adding extra vegetables to match personal preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Rich blend of ranch, bacon, and cheese guarantees this dish will be a hit with kids and adults alike, promising clean plates and happy faces around the dinner table.

Crack Chicken Penne Ingredient Lineup

• Penne Pasta: A classic pasta shape with tube-like structure that holds sauce perfectly.
• Chicken: Shredded protein that adds heartiness and flavor to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: A savory liquid base that enhances the overall taste of the recipe.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and creamy sauce for the pasta.

• Cream Cheese: Provides a smooth and tangy texture to the sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp and melty cheese element to the dish.

• Ranch Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper: A blend of spices that creates a robust and flavorful profile.
• Bacon: Offers a crispy and smoky element to complement the creamy sauce.
• Green Onions: A fresh garnish that adds a light finish to the dish.

Making Creamy Chicken Penne Step-by-Step

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook penne pasta following package instructions.

Drain thoroughly and set aside in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sauce Base

In a large skillet, gently warm chicken broth and heavy cream over medium heat.

Slowly incorporate cream cheese, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes silky smooth and fully blended.

Step 3: Enhance Flavor Profile

• Ranch seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper

Whisk ingredients together until well combined and fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Protein and Pasta

Fold shredded chicken and cooked pasta into the creamy sauce.

Toss gently to ensure every piece gets evenly coated with the delicious sauce.

Step 5: Melt Cheesy Goodness

• Cheddar cheese
• Crumbled bacon

Stir into the mixture and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts completely and flavors meld together.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Top with freshly chopped green onions for an extra burst of flavor.

Serve piping hot and enjoy this comforting meal straight from the skillet.

Tips That Improve Chicken Penne

• Choose high-quality penne with ridges to help sauce cling better, creating more flavor in every bite.
• Use rotisserie chicken for extra tenderness and a quick shortcut, saving precious cooking time.
• Crisp bacon separately before crumbling to ensure maximum crunchiness and prevent soggy texture.
• Shred cheese freshly instead of using pre-shredded to achieve smoother, more even melting throughout the dish.
• Adjust ranch seasoning to taste, knowing you can always add more but cannot remove excess once mixed in.

Twist Up Your Crack Chicken Pasta

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, maintaining the creamy ranch sauce and overall flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free penne pasta and ensure ranch seasoning is certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute penne with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate version of the dish.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, dairy-free cream cheese, and dairy-free cheddar cheese to create a lactose-free recipe.

Crack Chicken Penne at the Table

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Gather everyone around the table and watch smiles light up as this creamy, cheesy pasta takes center stage.
• Quick Lunch Companion: Pack leftovers in a sealed container for a delicious midday meal that reheats perfectly in the office microwave.
• Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Serve in small bowls as a hearty appetizer during movie or sports gatherings, letting guests enjoy bite-sized comfort food.
• Potluck Showstopper: Bring this dish to community gatherings and watch it disappear quickly, with friends asking for the recipe.

Stash Chicken Penne the Smart Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken and pasta are completely cooled before sealing.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of chicken broth or milk to prevent drying, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent sticking, stirring frequently until heated through.

FAQs

• Is ranch seasoning necessary for the recipe?

Ranch seasoning adds a tangy, herbal flavor that defines the signature taste of crack chicken penne. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with a mix of dried dill, parsley, chives, and a pinch of garlic powder.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works great, you can easily swap it with other short pasta shapes like rotini, ziti, or shells. The key is choosing a pasta that can hold the creamy sauce well.

• What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken is perfect for quick shredding and adds extra flavor. Alternatively, you can use leftover grilled chicken, boiled chicken breasts, or even canned chicken for convenience.

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Crack chicken penne is a creamy pasta dish loaded with ranch flavor, chicken, and cheese. Quick to prepare, it makes a filling meal the whole family will enjoy.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

Pasta and Cheese Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1.5 cups (170 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 packet (1 ounce/28 grams) ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) chopped green onions (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Boil penne pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, combine chicken broth and heavy cream over medium heat, whisking until integrated.
3. Incorporate cream cheese into the liquid, stirring continuously until completely melted and creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
4. Sprinkle ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper into the sauce, mixing well to distribute flavors evenly.
5. Fold shredded chicken and cooked pasta into the creamy mixture, ensuring each piece is generously coated with the seasoned sauce.
6. Gradually add cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon, stirring gently to prevent sticking and allow cheese to melt smoothly.
7. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
8. Spoon into serving dishes and top with chopped green onions.
9. Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the rich, creamy texture and robust seasoning.

Notes

• Customize your pasta texture by cooking it just under al dente since it will continue cooking when mixed with the sauce.
• Shred chicken quickly by using a stand mixer or two forks for perfectly pulled meat that absorbs more flavor.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter version with reduced calories.
• Add extra crunch by topping with toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a delightful textural contrast.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 511 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg