Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Family Hit

Whipping up a delectable crack chicken penne instantly transforms an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

Passionate home cooks adore this creamy, cheesy sensation that sparks conversations around the table.

Rich flavors merge seamlessly, creating a dish that feels both comforting and exciting.

Imagine tender chicken pieces nestled among perfectly cooked pasta, dripping with a luxurious sauce that promises pure satisfaction.

Cream cheese and ranch seasoning work their magic, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Each forkful delivers a burst of savory goodness that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Dive in and let this irresistible recipe become your new dinner champion.

Crack Chicken Penne Crowd Pleaser in a Bowl

• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows swapping proteins, adding veggies, or adjusting spice levels to match personal taste preferences.
• Transform Weeknight Dinners: Quick one-pan meal that turns ordinary ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish packed with rich, indulgent flavors.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kid-approved recipe with familiar ingredients that appeals to both adults and children, making mealtime stress-free and delicious.

Crack Chicken Penne Ingredient List

• Penne Pasta: A classic pasta shape that holds creamy sauces and provides hearty texture to the dish.
• Chicken: Protein-rich ingredient that adds substance and flavor to the crack chicken penne.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy cheese that melts perfectly and enhances the overall richness of the recipe.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety sauce.
• Heavy Cream, Cream Cheese: Creamy components that contribute to the luxurious and indulgent texture of the dish.

• Garlic, Ranch Seasoning, Black Pepper, Paprika: Aromatic spices and seasonings that provide depth and complexity to the chicken penne.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that adds extra savory flavor and helps create a silky sauce.
• Bacon, Green Onions: Crispy and fresh toppings that add contrasting textures and additional flavor dimensions.

Instructions for Rich Chicken Penne

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook penne pasta in a large pot of salted water following the package directions.

Once perfectly al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside in a colander.

Step 2: Sizzle Garlic

Heat a large skillet over medium flame and melt butter.

Add minced garlic and sauté until it becomes golden and releases its aromatic fragrance, creating a delicious base for the sauce.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Cream cheese
• Ranch seasoning
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Whisk continuously until the mixture transforms into a smooth, velvety sauce with no lumps.

Step 4: Incorporate Protein and Pasta

Fold in shredded chicken and the cooked penne pasta.

Gently mix to ensure every pasta piece gets thoroughly coated with the luxurious sauce.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Bacon Goodness

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crumbled bacon

Stir until the cheese melts completely and blends seamlessly with the other ingredients.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat.

Garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve the crack chicken penne immediately while hot and bubbling.

Kitchen Advice for Crack Chicken Pasta

• Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to help sauce cling better and create a silkier texture.
• Adjust sauce consistency by simmering longer for thicker sauce or adding more broth for a lighter version.
• Toast ranch seasoning in butter before adding liquid ingredients to intensify the herbal notes and release more aromatics.
• Replace chicken with turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or diced ham for variety and different flavor profiles.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce cheese quantity for a slightly healthier alternative without compromising taste.

Chicken Penne Variations to Satisfy All

• Gluten-Free Veggie Delight: Replace penne with gluten-free pasta and swap chicken with roasted cauliflower or tofu for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Version: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of pasta, and replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter dish.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, swap ranch seasoning for taco seasoning, and include pepper jack cheese for extra kick.
• Mediterranean-Style Transformation: Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp, use feta cheese, and sprinkle with fresh oregano and basil.

Serving Crack Chicken Penne for Gatherings

• Creamy Comfort Combo: Pair this rich pasta dish with a light, crisp green salad to balance the heaviness and add fresh texture.
• Bacon Lover's Delight: Sprinkle extra crispy bacon bits on top for added crunch and an intense smoky flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
• Side Dish Magic: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to introduce a nutritious element and provide a color contrast to the golden pasta.
• Bread Basket Bliss: Offer warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls to help soak up the delicious, creamy sauce and complete the meal.

Saving Chicken Penne for Later Bites

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
• Warm gently in skillet over medium-low heat, stirring continuously. Add extra cream or broth to restore original creamy consistency and prevent sticking.
• Pack in freezer-safe container, removing excess air. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can swap penne for other short pasta like rotini, shells, or bowtie pasta that will hold the creamy sauce well.

• Is ranch seasoning necessary for this recipe?

Ranch seasoning adds depth of flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with dried dill, garlic powder, and onion powder to mimic the taste.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, reduce cheese quantity, choose lean chicken breast, and add extra vegetables like spinach or broccoli to boost nutrition.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Prepare the dish and store in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore creaminess.

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy, zesty crack chicken penne delivers explosive flavor in one skillet, combining tender pasta with rich, cheesy goodness. Home cooks will discover a quick, irresistible meal that satisfies comfort food cravings with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

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

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

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Instructions

1. Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes at a rolling boil, then thoroughly drain and reserve.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium temperature, gently melt butter and sauté minced garlic until aromatic and lightly golden.
3. Whisk chicken broth, heavy cream, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, freshly ground black pepper, and paprika into the skillet, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform sauce.
4. Fold tender shredded chicken and cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring every pasta piece gets evenly coated with the rich mixture.
5. Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese and crispy crumbled bacon, stirring until the cheese melts completely and integrates seamlessly with the other ingredients.
6. Transfer the skillet off the heat, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions across the top for a vibrant finish, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Use freshly cooked chicken for the best flavor and texture, avoiding pre-packaged or leftover chicken.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version of the dish.
• Toast bacon separately and sprinkle on top just before serving to maintain its crispy texture and prevent sogginess.
• Create a gluten-free option by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring ranch seasoning is certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 620 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg