There’s something so comforting about a big bowl of creamy, cheesy pasta, especially when it’s packed with rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Crack Chicken Penne is one of those dishes that brings pure satisfaction in every bite. With a luscious, velvety sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked penne, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or preparing something special for family and friends, this one-pot wonder is bound to become a household favorite. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—what’s not to love? Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, meaning you get maximum taste with minimal effort!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and Flavorful – The combination of cream cheese, cheddar, and ranch seasoning creates a rich, irresistible sauce.
- One-Pot Wonder – Fewer dishes to wash means more time to enjoy your meal.
- Family-Friendly – A hit with both kids and adults, making it the perfect comfort food.
- Quick and Easy – Ready in under an hour with simple, everyday ingredients.
- Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning mix
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- ½ cup turkey ham, diced
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Crack Chicken Penne
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it until al dente, following the package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet or a deep saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and ranch seasoning. Cook until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Using the same pan, lower the heat and add the cream cheese. Stir gently until it begins to melt. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking continuously to create a smooth, creamy consistency. If you like a little spice, this is the perfect time to add the red pepper flakes!
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, followed by the diced turkey ham. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes so the flavors can meld. Then, add the drained penne pasta and mix until well coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Now for the best part—cheese! Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce. The result should be a rich, creamy pasta dish with gooey, cheesy goodness in every bite.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Turn off the heat and let the pasta sit for a minute so the sauce thickens slightly. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve warm and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. For a smoother, creamier texture, shred your cheese from a block.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Since it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce, aim for a firm al dente texture when boiling.
- Adjust the Seasoning – Taste your sauce before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or spice level to your preference.
- Thin Out the Sauce if Needed – If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Comfort Food
Notes
- This dish is best served immediately while the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- For extra crunch, you can add crispy turkey bacon bits on top.
- Feel free to add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~550
- Protein: ~35g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fat: ~25g
- Fiber: ~3g
(Note: These values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands used.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Pasta Shape?
Absolutely! While penne works great for holding onto the creamy sauce, you can also use rotini, fusilli, or even rigatoni.
How Can I Make This Dish Lighter?
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly. You can also swap out some of the cream cheese for Greek yogurt.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare this in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to bring back the creaminess.
Can I Freeze Crack Chicken Penne?
While you can freeze it, the texture of the sauce may change slightly due to the dairy. If freezing, let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy consistency.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Crack Chicken Penne, here are a few more delicious pasta dishes to try:
Conclusion
Creamy Crack Chicken Penne is the perfect comfort food—rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and guaranteed to satisfy your pasta cravings. Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is one you’ll want to make again and again.
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Creamy Crack Chicken Penne
Description
There’s something so comforting about a big bowl of creamy, cheesy pasta, especially when it’s packed with rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Crack Chicken Penne is one of those dishes that brings pure satisfaction in every bite. With a luscious, velvety sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked penne, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or preparing something special for family and friends, this one-pot wonder is bound to become a household favorite. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—what’s not to love? Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, meaning you get maximum taste with minimal effort!
Ingredients
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning mix
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- ½ cup turkey ham, diced
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it until al dente, following the package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside.
In a large skillet or a deep saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and ranch seasoning. Cook until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Using the same pan, lower the heat and add the cream cheese. Stir gently until it begins to melt. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking continuously to create a smooth, creamy consistency. If you like a little spice, this is the perfect time to add the red pepper flakes!
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, followed by the diced turkey ham. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes so the flavors can meld. Then, add the drained penne pasta and mix until well coated in the creamy sauce.
Now for the best part—cheese! Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce. The result should be a rich, creamy pasta dish with gooey, cheesy goodness in every bite.
Turn off the heat and let the pasta sit for a minute so the sauce thickens slightly. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- This dish is best served immediately while the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- For extra crunch, you can add crispy turkey bacon bits on top.
- Feel free to add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition.