Crack Chicken Penne Families Love

Highlighted under: Quick & Tasty Creations

Enjoy the irresistible blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken and penne pasta that will have your whole family asking for seconds.

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-10T16:58:20.152Z

This Crack Chicken Penne is a delightful dish that combines the comforting flavors of chicken, cream, and cheese with the heartiness of penne pasta. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Creamy and cheesy sauce that coats every bite
  • Tender chicken that is bursting with flavor
  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights

The Perfect Family Meal

Crack Chicken Penne is the epitome of comfort food, designed with family dining in mind. The creamy sauce envelops the penne pasta and tender chicken, creating a dish that is not only delicious but also visually appealing. As everyone gathers around the table, the aroma of this hearty meal fills the air, setting the stage for a delightful dining experience. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to bring smiles and satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

What makes this dish particularly appealing is its ability to cater to various tastes and preferences. The combination of cream cheese and cheddar delivers a rich flavor profile that is both comforting and indulgent. Plus, the addition of ranch seasoning adds a unique twist, making it stand out from typical pasta dishes. It's a meal that invites everyone to dig in and enjoy, creating lasting memories around the dinner table.

Easy Preparation for Busy Families

In today's fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a wholesome meal can be a challenge. This Crack Chicken Penne recipe is designed for busy families, allowing you to whip up a delicious dinner in under 30 minutes. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can have a satisfying meal ready to serve without the hassle of lengthy cooking processes. This is ideal for those hectic weeknights when you want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones.

The straightforward ingredients and simple cooking steps empower even novice cooks to create this delightful dish with confidence. Utilizing leftover chicken can further streamline the process, making it an efficient choice for meal prepping. Just gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and you'll have a creamy, cheesy dinner that everyone will rave about.

Garnishing for Extra Flavor

While the Crack Chicken Penne is delicious on its own, garnishing can elevate the dish to new heights. Adding chopped green onions not only introduces a pop of color but also adds a subtle crunch and a burst of fresh flavor. This simple addition enhances the overall presentation and makes your meal feel a bit more special, perfect for impressing family and friends alike.

You can also experiment with additional toppings such as crispy bacon bits, chopped parsley, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. These garnishes can provide different flavor dimensions, allowing everyone to customize their plates to their preference. Such small tweaks can make a big impact, turning a classic family dish into a gourmet experience.

Ingredients

For the Crack Chicken Sauce

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix

For the Pasta

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • Salt for boiling water
  • Chopped green onions for garnish

Combine all ingredients for a delicious meal.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning. Stir until the mixture is smooth and heated through.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked penne to the skillet with the sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.

Enjoy your delicious Crack Chicken Penne!

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers, storing Crack Chicken Penne is a breeze. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When stored properly in the refrigerator, it can last for 3 to 4 days. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or for those who want to enjoy it later in the week.

For longer storage, consider freezing portions of the dish. Freeze the Crack Chicken Penne in individual servings to make reheating easy and convenient. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. This way, you can savor this creamy delight whenever the craving strikes!

Pairing Suggestions

To complement the rich flavors of Crack Chicken Penne, consider serving it with a light salad. A crisp mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta. Additionally, roasted vegetables can also be a fantastic side, offering both color and nutrition to your meal.

For beverage pairings, a chilled glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, can enhance the dining experience. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a slice of lemon can be a refreshing choice that cleanses the palate between bites. These pairings can elevate your meal, making it even more enjoyable.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Yes, leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly for a quick meal.

→ Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

You can substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth.

→ How can I make the sauce spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce mixture for extra heat.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just cook the pasta fresh before serving.

Crack Chicken Penne Families Love

Enjoy the irresistible blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken and penne pasta that will have your whole family asking for seconds.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: Quick & Tasty Creations

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Crack Chicken Sauce

  1. 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  2. 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  3. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  4. 1 cup chicken broth
  5. 1 packet ranch seasoning mix

For the Pasta

  1. 8 oz penne pasta
  2. Salt for boiling water
  3. Chopped green onions for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning. Stir until the mixture is smooth and heated through.

Step 03

Add the cooked penne to the skillet with the sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 500 kcal
  • Total Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 30g