Description
Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying pasta dish combining tender chicken, melted cheddar, and a rich cream cheese sauce over perfectly cooked penne pasta. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a comforting, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights that can be easily customized with veggies or spices and stored for leftovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs
- 4–6 slices cooked bacon or 1/2 cup bacon bits
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth or stock (warm)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Veggies
- 1 cup fresh spinach, peas, or diced bell peppers (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Season chicken breast or thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and golden brown on the outside. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt cream cheese over medium heat. Gradually stir in warm chicken broth to create a smooth, creamy base. Add ranch seasoning mix and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until combined into a luscious sauce.
- Cook the Penne: Boil penne pasta in salted water following package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Combine All Ingredients: Slice or shred the cooked chicken and add it back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss in cooked penne pasta and bacon bits. Stir well until everything is evenly coated and heated through. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate the Crack Chicken Penne. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, green onions, or extra cheese if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use warm chicken broth to help the cream cheese melt smoothly and prevent lumps.
- Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture prevents mushy noodles in the sauce.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the thickness of the sauce if needed.
- Cook bacon until crispy for best texture and smoky flavor.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or chives brighten and enhance the flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: crack chicken penne, creamy chicken pasta, cheesy chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner, one-pot chicken pasta