If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that will have everyone at the table raving, let me introduce you to this ultimate Crack Chicken Penne Recipe. Imagine perfectly tender chicken tossed with silky pasta in a creamy, ranch-seasoned sauce, crowned with gooey cheddar cheese. Every bite is the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and rich—exactly the kind of meal you’ll want to make on repeat!

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s magical about this Crack Chicken Penne Recipe is how a handful of everyday ingredients come together for a dish that’s anything but ordinary. Each plays a key role, contributing unique textures and flavors you won’t want to miss, so don’t skip a thing!

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein soaks up all the flavors as it browns, staying juicy and tender throughout.
Penne pasta: The ridged shape holds onto every bit of that creamy, cheesy sauce—don’t substitute with something too delicate!
Cream cheese: Creates the luscious, velvety foundation of the sauce, delivering mild tang and irresistible creaminess.
Ranch seasoning mix: This is what gives the dish its signature craveable zing—if you have a favorite brand, now’s the time to use it.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and keeps the sauce just the right consistency so it coats everything beautifully.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melted on top for that final cheesy blanket—feel free to go a little overboard!
Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together; season to taste as you cook.

How to Make Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the penne pasta until it’s just al dente, which should take about 10 to 12 minutes. Don’t overcook—it will soak up more sauce later. Once it’s perfect, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prep the rest of the Crack Chicken Penne Recipe.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, dice your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper. Warm a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken. Let them get golden and a bit crispy on the edges—this should take about 6 to 8 minutes. The browning adds so much flavor and keeps things juicy.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked through, reduce the heat and toss in your softened cream cheese along with the ranch seasoning mix. Gradually pour in the chicken broth as you stir, letting the sauce come together into a smooth, creamy blanket that clings lovingly to every chicken piece.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Now for the magic moment! Add your drained penne to the skillet and gently toss until every piece of pasta is enveloped in that thick, ranchy cream sauce. You want everything to be steaming, silky, and evenly coated.

Step 5: Melt the Cheddar and Serve

Finish the Crack Chicken Penne Recipe by sprinkling that shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Cover the pan just long enough for the cheese to melt into glorious, oozy pools—usually 2 to 3 minutes. Serve it up hot, and don’t be surprised when you hear happy sighs around the table.

How to Serve Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

Garnishes

Go the extra mile by adding a handful of crisp chopped green onions, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or even some crumbled cooked bacon on top. These garnishes boost the flavor and create amazing pops of color, making your Crack Chicken Penne Recipe look irresistible.

Side Dishes

Since this dish is wonderfully rich and filling, serve it next to a bright green salad with a zippy vinaigrette, or simply pair with oven-roasted broccoli, asparagus, or garlicky green beans. Some warm, crusty bread to mop up every last bit of sauce wouldn’t hurt either!

Creative Ways to Present

For weeknights, scoop generous helpings into deep bowls, or get fancy and spoon it into a casserole, topping with extra cheddar and broiling until bubbly. You can even serve Crack Chicken Penne Recipe inside hollowed bell peppers or as part of a pasta bake to wow at potlucks and casual get-togethers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of serving. This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days without losing its creamy deliciousness, making it perfect for next-day lunches.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your Crack Chicken Penne Recipe, let it cool completely first. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. The sauce might separate a touch after reheating, but a good stir brings it back to life. Enjoy within 2 months for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

When you’re ready for round two, gently reheat the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating also works—cover loosely and stir halfway through to ensure everything heats evenly. Top with a fresh sprinkle of cheddar if you’re feeling extra (and why not?)

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Shred or chop rotisserie chicken and add it once your sauce is smooth. This shortcut makes the Crack Chicken Penne Recipe even quicker for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

You sure can! Substitute your favorite gluten-free penne pasta and double-check that your ranch seasoning is gluten-free. Everything else in the recipe is already gluten-free by nature.

Can I add vegetables to the recipe?

Go for it! Stir in steamed broccoli, baby spinach, or peas when you add the pasta for a colorful, nutritious twist. The classic Crack Chicken Penne Recipe is very adaptable to your family’s favorites.

What type of cheddar cheese works best?

Both mild and sharp cheddar work great, but sharp cheddar provides an extra punch of flavor. For a little kick, try a blend of cheddar and pepper jack or Monterey Jack too!

Can I double the Crack Chicken Penne Recipe?

Definitely! Just use a bigger pot or skillet and make sure you have enough sauce to coat everything. This recipe scales up beautifully for parties, leftovers, or feeding a hungry crowd.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Crack Chicken Penne Recipe, you’ll see why it’s impossible to make just once. It’s hearty, comforting, wonderfully simple, and absolutely bursting with flavor. Invite your favorite people over and treat them to a cozy night in—you’re sure to come back to this recipe again and again!

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Crack Chicken Penne recipe is a creamy and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, pasta, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta:

8 ounces penne pasta

Sauce:

8 ounces cream cheese
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1 cup chicken broth

Topping:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (10-12 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Cook Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, cook diced chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper until browned (6-8 minutes).
Prepare Sauce: Lower heat and mix in softened cream cheese and ranch seasoning. Gradually stir in chicken broth until smooth.
Combine: Add cooked penne to the skillet, tossing until coated with sauce.
Add Topping: Top with shredded cheddar cheese; cover until melted (2-3 minutes). Serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American