Crack Chicken Penne is a quick and creamy dinner that’s loaded with rich flavors. This dish features tender chicken breasts, creamy ranch-infused sauce, and gooey cheddar cheese, all tossed with al dente penne pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crack Chicken Penne brings together the best of creamy comfort food with the tangy flavor of ranch seasoning and the richness of cream cheese. The chicken is cooked to perfection, and the creamy sauce coats each bite of penne, while the cheddar cheese adds an irresistible gooey finish. It’s easy to prepare, takes less than 30 minutes, and serves up to 4 people—making it ideal for busy families or dinner parties. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup!
Ingredients
-
3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
8 ounces penne pasta
-
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
-
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
-
1 cup chicken broth
-
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, usually 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Season the diced chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook in the skillet for 6-8 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked through.
-
Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese and ranch seasoning to the skillet. Gradually stir in the chicken broth and cook, stirring continuously, until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
-
Combine: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
-
Add Cheese: Top with shredded cheddar cheese and cover the skillet. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese has melted and the dish is hot.
-
Serve: Stir the melted cheese into the sauce and serve hot. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
-
Total Time: 30 minutes
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
Cook Time: 20 minutes
-
Servings: 4
Variations
-
Add Veggies: Add some sautéed spinach, peas, or broccoli to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.
-
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce to the sauce to give the dish some heat.
-
Cheese Options: Swap the cheddar cheese for mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover Crack Chicken Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little extra chicken broth if the sauce has thickened. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to thaw them before cooking to ensure even cooking and safe food handling.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the dish in advance and refrigerate it, then reheat it when ready to serve. It’s best to add the shredded cheddar cheese just before reheating to ensure it melts smoothly.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute penne with other types of pasta such as rigatoni, farfalle, or fusilli, depending on your preference.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, this recipe is not gluten-free as it uses regular penne pasta. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta instead.
Can I use a different seasoning mix?
You can substitute the ranch seasoning mix with a homemade blend of garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and dried dill for a similar flavor.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and dairy-free cheese. Make sure your chicken broth is also dairy-free.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce the chicken broth. Alternatively, add a tablespoon of cream cheese or a bit of cornstarch to thicken it.
Can I freeze Crack Chicken Penne?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Once it cools down, place it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then heat it up on the stove or in the microwave.
What side dishes go well with this?
Crack Chicken Penne pairs wonderfully with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with steamed broccoli or a simple Caesar salad for added crunch.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese if you want to reduce the fat content. However, it may affect the creaminess of the sauce slightly.
Conclusion
Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, comforting, and flavorful dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. With tender chicken, a rich ranch-infused sauce, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese, it’s the perfect meal for any busy weeknight. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Print
Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that combines tender chicken, ranch seasoning, and a rich, velvety sauce. With just a few simple ingredients, this 30-minute recipe delivers a mouthwatering dinner the whole family will love. Perfect for busy nights or when you’re craving comfort food.
Ingredients
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – 3-4 breasts
Penne Pasta – 8 ounces
Cream Cheese – 8 ounces (softened)
Ranch Seasoning Mix – 1 packet
Chicken Broth – 1 cup
Shredded Cheddar Cheese – 1 cup
Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente (10-12 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced chicken breasts, seasoned with salt and pepper, until browned (about 6-8 minutes).
Prepare the Sauce: Lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese and ranch seasoning mix to the skillet. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and stir until smooth.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
Serve: Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, cheesy Crack Chicken Penne!
Notes
Extra Creaminess: For an even creamier sauce, you can add a little more cream cheese or some heavy cream.
Add Veggies: Feel free to add vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or peas to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.
Spicy Option: For a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce when mixing the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
