Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
Introduction
Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that combines tender chicken with rich cream cheese and zesty ranch seasoning. It’s a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners. This recipe guarantees a satisfying plate everyone will love.
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
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, season diced chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Step 3: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in softened cream cheese and ranch seasoning mix until combined.
- Step 4: Gradually add chicken broth, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Step 6: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, cover the skillet, and let it melt for 2-3 minutes.
- Step 7: Serve hot and enjoy your creamy crack chicken penne!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add cooked bacon bits or chopped green onions when mixing in the cheese.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and still get great taste.
- Swap penne for other pasta shapes like fusilli or rigatoni if preferred.
- Add steamed broccoli or peas for a vegetable boost.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar for a lighter dish.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta types like rotini, rigatoni, or farfalle without affecting the flavor.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
This dish can be frozen, but the texture of the cream cheese sauce may change slightly. To freeze, cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
PrintCrack Chicken Penne Recipe
Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy and flavorful pasta dish that combines tender chicken breasts with ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese for a rich, comforting meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients and delivers a satisfying combination of cheesy and savory flavors that the whole family will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- Salt, for boiling water
Sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes or until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, dice the chicken breasts. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the softened cream cheese and the packet of ranch seasoning mix into the cooked chicken. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss well to coat all the pasta evenly with the creamy mixture.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the pasta in the skillet. Cover the pan and let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts. Serve the dish hot and enjoy.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add minced garlic or diced onions when cooking the chicken.
- You can use other types of pasta like rotini or rigatoni if penne is unavailable.
- To make it a one-pot dish, cook the pasta separately but keep some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of chicken broth to keep creamy.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition.
Keywords: crack chicken penne, creamy chicken pasta, ranch chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner, cheesy chicken pasta
