Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe: Irresistibly Flavorful

My kitchen experiments with this crack chicken penne always spark excitement among dinner guests.

Creamy pasta dishes rarely generate such immediate enthusiasm from everyone at the table.

Cheese and ranch seasoning create a magical combination that feels indulgent yet simple.

Tender chicken pieces mingle perfectly with al dente penne, promising a hearty meal.

Ranch mix adds an unexpected punch of flavor that keeps people coming back for seconds.

Quick preparation means you can have this delectable dish ready in under thirty minutes.

Comfort food doesn’t get more delicious than this crowd-pleasing recipe that’ll make you the star of mealtime.

Store Crack Chicken Penne Smooth And Savory

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour leftovers into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Stir gently and heat until hot and creamy, about 5-7 minutes.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using microwave or stovetop methods.

Serving Suggestions for Crack Chicken Penne

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Crisp sauvignon blanc cuts through the creamy richness, balancing the heavy cream and cheese with its bright acidity.
• Complement with Fresh Salad: Light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta dish.
• Match Crunchy Side: Garlic herb breadsticks offer a crispy texture that complements the creamy chicken penne, adding delightful crunch to each bite.
• Enhance with Cool Beverage: Chilled craft beer with mild hoppy notes helps cleanse the palate and neutralizes the dish's intense flavors.

Crack Chicken Penne with Creamy Sauce Ideas

• Gluten-Free Transformation: Replace regular penne with gluten-free pasta and ensure ranch seasoning is certified gluten-free for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Swap penne pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining rich, creamy flavors.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with plant-based protein like diced tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free option.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, nutritional yeast in place of cheddar cheese, and turkey bacon or vegan bacon bits to accommodate dairy restrictions.

FAQs

• What makes crack chicken penne so addictive?

The combination of creamy ranch-flavored sauce, tender shredded chicken, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon creates an irresistible blend of flavors that keeps people coming back for more.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted according to your preference. You can reduce or completely omit the red pepper flakes for a milder version.

• Can I make this dish healthier?

You can lighten the recipe by using low-fat cream cheese, reduced-fat cheddar cheese, and turkey bacon. Additionally, you could substitute whole wheat penne for added nutritional value.

• How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

If the sauce starts to thicken too much, simply add a little extra chicken broth or milk to maintain a creamy consistency while stirring.

Crack Chicken Penne: Why It’s Creamy, Cheesy, And Addictive

• Speed Up Weeknight Cooking: Prepare this creamy, flavorful dish in just 30 minutes with minimal ingredients and simple steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Combines beloved flavors of ranch, bacon, and cheese into one satisfying pasta meal that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Family-Friendly Flexibility: Easily customizable by swapping chicken with other proteins or adding extra vegetables for personalized nutrition and taste preferences.
• No-Fuss One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal cleanup required with everything cooked in a single pan, making this recipe perfect for busy households seeking delicious, stress-free meals.

Crack Chicken Penne Ingredient Combo

• Penne Pasta: Hearty base for the dish, provides structure and texture.
• Chicken, Cooked and Shredded: Protein-rich main ingredient that adds substance and flavor.

• Cream Cheese, Softened: Creates rich, smooth base for the sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese, Shredded: Adds sharp, tangy flavor and melty consistency.
• Chicken Broth: Helps thin and enhance the sauce's liquid component.
• Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious, velvety texture to the sauce.

• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Delivers classic, zesty ranch flavor profile.
• Bacon, Crumbled: Adds smoky, salty crunch to the dish.
• Garlic Powder: Provides deep, aromatic background flavor.
• Onion Powder: Offers subtle, sweet onion undertone.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and traditional seasoning.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for extra spicy kick.
• Parsley, Chopped: Fresh herb garnish for color and brightness.

Crack Chicken Penne Preparation Guide

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.

Drain thoroughly and set aside, keeping the pasta warm.

Step 2: Create Silky Sauce Base

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Combine chicken broth, heavy cream, and cream cheese.

Whisk continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and velvety.

Step 3: Spice Up the Flavor

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

Stir to distribute the spices evenly throughout the creamy sauce.

Step 4: Add Protein and Pasta

Toss in the shredded chicken and cooked penne pasta.

Gently stir to ensure every piece is coated with the luxurious sauce.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the skillet.

Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating an ultra-creamy texture.

Step 6: Crisp It Up

Fold in the crumbled bacon pieces, distributing them throughout the dish for a salty, crunchy surprise.

Step 7: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Remove the skillet from heat.

Scatter chopped fresh parsley over the top for a bright, fresh finish.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Plate the crack chicken penne immediately while it’s hot and gloriously creamy.

Enjoy every decadent bite!

Penne With Crack Chicken Sauce and Creaminess Secrets

• Use rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or leftover roasted chicken for quick and easy meal preparation.
• Prepare this dish ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently to maintain creamy texture.
• Adjust red pepper flakes and ranch seasoning to control heat level and match personal taste preferences.
• Swap regular pasta for gluten-free options, use low-fat cream cheese, and turkey bacon for a lighter version of the recipe.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like monterey jack, pepper jack, or gouda to create unique flavor profiles.

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy crack chicken penne delivers comfort and excitement in one satisfying dish. Italian-inspired pasta meets zesty chicken for a quick weeknight meal that promises rich flavor and delightful textures you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 (8 ounces/226 grams) package cream cheese, softened

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 packet (1 ounce/28 grams) ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente, then thoroughly drain and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
2. Prepare a creamy sauce base by whisking chicken broth, heavy cream, and cream cheese in a spacious skillet over medium heat until completely smooth and integrated.
3. Enhance the sauce with ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, freshly ground black pepper, and a subtle kick of red pepper flakes, stirring to distribute flavors evenly.
4. Introduce tender shredded chicken into the bubbling sauce, coating each morsel with the rich, seasoned mixture.
5. Gradually incorporate the penne pasta, gently folding to ensure every pasta piece is lavishly covered with the creamy sauce.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the skillet, continuously stirring until the cheese melts and creates a luxurious, velvety consistency.
7. Scatter crispy crumbled bacon throughout the dish, mixing to distribute the smoky, crunchy elements uniformly.
8. Remove from heat and delicately garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.
9. Transfer to serving plates immediately, presenting a steaming, decadent pasta dish bursting with robust flavors.

Notes

• Swap chicken with rotisserie or pre-cooked varieties for faster meal preparation and added convenience.
• Use gluten-free pasta and ensure ranch seasoning is gluten-free to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Reduce calories by substituting half-and-half for heavy cream and using low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version of the dish.
• Create vegetarian alternative by replacing chicken with roasted cauliflower or plant-based protein crumbles, maintaining the creamy texture and robust flavor profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 637
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1076 mg
• Fat: 39 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 157 mg