Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

Introduction

Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that combines tender chicken, zesty ranch seasoning, and melted cheddar cheese. This comforting meal is quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners that satisfy the whole family.

Ingredients

• 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 12 ounces penne pasta (whole wheat or regular)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the softened cream cheese and ranch seasoning mix. Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked penne directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt into the sauce for 2-3 minutes.
6. Step 6: Serve the pasta garnished with fresh parsley if desired, adding a fresh touch and color.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter sauce, reduce the amount of cream cheese or use low-fat cream cheese.
• Add fresh herbs such as thyme or chives to enhance flavor.
• Incorporate vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrients.
• Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving for extra richness.

Storage

Store leftover Crack Chicken Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with any pasta shape you prefer, such as rotini or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the ranch seasoning mix and chicken broth are gluten-free as well for a safe alternative.

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 141 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender diced chicken breasts cooked in a rich ranch and cream cheese sauce, tossed with perfectly al dente penne pasta and finished with melted sharp cheddar cheese. This comforting and easy-to-make meal balances protein and carbs with a luscious, cheesy sauce that makes it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Pasta

• 12 ounces penne pasta (whole wheat or regular)

Sauce

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce), store-bought or homemade
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Finishing Touches

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
3. Create the Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to low. Stir in the softened cream cheese and ranch seasoning mix, then gradually add the chicken broth, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta directly to the skillet with the creamy sauce, tossing gently to evenly coat the pasta with the sauce.
5. Finish with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the pasta. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt into the sauce.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the crack chicken penne to serving plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

• Adjust the cream cheese quantity to make the sauce lighter or richer according to your preference.
• Fresh herbs such as thyme or chives can be added for enhanced flavor.
• Vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be tossed in for extra nutrition and color.
• For added cheesiness, top with freshly grated Parmesan just before serving.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Crack Chicken Penne, creamy chicken pasta, ranch chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner, cheesy chicken penne, skillet chicken pasta