If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, creamy pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Crack Chicken Penne Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish perfectly marries tender, juicy chicken with a luscious ranch-infused cream cheese sauce, all tossed with al dente penne pasta and topped with gooey melted cheddar cheese. It’s the kind of recipe that seems indulgent but comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients, making it a fantastic weekday dinner or an anytime crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Crack Chicken Penne Recipe plays a starring role in creating a balanced and irresistible dish. From the creamy base to the comforting pasta, these essentials deliver layers of flavor, texture, and color that keep every bite exciting and satisfying.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The protein foundation that cooks up tender and juicy, carrying all the flavors beautifully.
Penne pasta: A sturdy, tubular pasta that holds sauce wonderfully and provides the perfect bite texture.
Cream cheese (softened): Adds velvety creaminess and richness that blends seamlessly into the sauce.
Ranch seasoning mix: The secret punch of zesty herbs and spices that bring the unique “crack chicken” flavor alive.
Chicken broth: Helps loosen up the sauce and infuses a subtle savory depth.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melted on top for a golden, cheesy finish that makes the dish irresistibly gooey.

How to Make Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta until just tender but still firm to the bite, usually about 10 to 12 minutes. This is important because the pasta will absorb some sauce later, so you don’t want it too soft. Once cooked, drain it and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

In a skillet set over medium heat, add your diced chicken breasts seasoned simply with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken pieces thoroughly until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown exterior, about 6 to 8 minutes. This browning step builds flavor and ensures juicy chicken in every bite.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce

Turn the heat down a bit and stir in the softened cream cheese along with the ranch seasoning mix. The cream cheese will start melting and blending with the herbs, creating a luscious base. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to smooth everything into a rich, dreamy sauce.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Now it’s time to bring it all together. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything thoroughly so that every piece of pasta is luxuriously coated in that creamy ranch sauce. This step ensures all the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Melt the Cheddar Cheese

Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the coated penne and cover the skillet for a couple of minutes until the cheese melts into a gooey blanket. Serve the Crack Chicken Penne hot and watch how quickly it disappears!

How to Serve Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkling some fresh chopped parsley or green onions over the top adds a pop of color and a subtle fresh note that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce. You can also add a little cracked black pepper for an extra touch of spice and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This rich and hearty dish pairs wonderfully with light and crisp sides like a simple green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables. Garlic bread or a warm baguette can also be fantastic companions, perfect for sopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve portions in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of extra cheddar and a dash of paprika, then broil for a minute to create a golden crust. Alternatively, try layering the Crack Chicken Penne in a casserole dish, topped with more cheese and baked until bubbly for an inviting family-style meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the creamy texture, it’s best to reheat gently to prevent the sauce from separating.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but it’s recommended to do so before adding the cheddar cheese topping. Store the sauce and pasta mixture in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and adding fresh cheese to melt on top.

Reheating

Reheat the Crack Chicken Penne gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if the sauce feels too thick. You can also microwave it covered, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming without drying out the dish.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of penne?

Absolutely! While penne is ideal because it holds sauce well, rigatoni, ziti, or even farfalle would work beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust cooking times according to the pasta you choose.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! You can swap out the chicken for cooked mushrooms, tofu, or a medley of roasted vegetables. Just adjust cooking steps so your substitutions are cooked through and flavorful before combining with the sauce.

What can I use if I don’t have ranch seasoning mix?

No problem! You can create your own blend using dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This DIY ranch seasoning will keep that classic flavor alive in your Crack Chicken Penne Recipe.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

With some tweaks, yes! Substitute cream cheese and cheddar with dairy-free or plant-based alternatives that melt well. Make sure your ranch seasoning is also dairy-free or use herbs and spices to mimic the flavor profile.

How spicy is the Crack Chicken Penne Recipe?

This recipe is mild and comforting with a savory ranch twist. You can easily add a bit of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicy kick that wakes up the flavors.

Final Thoughts

Give this Crack Chicken Penne Recipe a try and you might just find your new favorite comfort meal that fits perfectly into busy weeknights or lazy weekend dinners. It’s creamy, cheesy, flavorful, and uncomplicated—all the things that make cooking enjoyable and eating even better. Once you’ve tasted that first bite, you’ll understand why it’s become such a beloved dish in so many homes.

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 21 reviews

Author: Sarah
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

Print Recipe

Description

Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts, penne pasta, and a rich ranch-seasoned cream cheese sauce topped with melted cheddar. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners, delivering a satisfying comfort meal with minimal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

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
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 and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Dice the chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and fully cooked through.
Prepare the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir softened cream cheese and ranch seasoning mix into the cooked chicken. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the creamy ranch sauce.
Add the Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
Serve: Serve the crack chicken penne hot, optionally accompanied by garlic bread or a fresh side salad.

Notes

Use freshly cooked, diced chicken for best flavor and texture.
For a lower-fat version, substitute cream cheese with light cream cheese and use reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
Adding chopped green onions or crispy bacon can enhance the dish further.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and boiling
Cuisine: American