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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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