Dinner

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

ByZoe Lane January 11, 2026January 11, 2026

Introduction

Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish loaded with tender chicken and bold ranch flavors. It’s a comforting meal that comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe combines simple ingredients for an irresistibly rich and satisfying dinner.

A close-up view of creamy pasta with grilled chicken strips on top, showing two main layers: the bottom layer is penne pasta coated in a rich, smooth cream sauce with a light yellow color and soft texture, and the top layer consists of golden-brown grilled chicken pieces with a slightly crispy surface, sprinkled with small green parsley bits and black pepper flakes for color contrast. The dish is presented on a white plate resting on a white marbled surface, with a woman's hand holding a fork lifting some pasta from the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
2 cups penne pasta
4 oz cream cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Season the chicken strips with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sear them in the hot skillet until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the penne pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Step 4: Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, heavy cream, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning mix. Whisk continuously until the sauce is smooth and cream cheese has melted.
Step 5: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted into the sauce.
Step 6: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta back into the skillet. Gently toss to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce. Let simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to combine flavors.
Step 7: If the sauce is too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 8: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if using, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Use rotisserie chicken for a faster version without searing fresh chicken.
Add cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for additional flavor and texture.
Swap penne for other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli to vary the dish.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up view of creamy pasta with grilled chicken pieces. The pasta is coated in a smooth, cheesy sauce that is light yellow in color and soft in texture. On top and mixed within the pasta are slices of golden-brown grilled chicken, with a slightly crispy surface and a few places showing grill marks. Small green parsley leaves are sprinkled over the dish, adding a fresh contrast. The whole dish rests on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream cheese and cheddar?

You can use dairy-free cream cheese and cheddar-style vegan cheese, but the texture and flavor will differ slightly from the original.

Zoe Lane