Dinner

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

ByMarina Montclair January 16, 2026January 16, 2026

Introduction

Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish packed with tender chicken and rich flavors. It combines the irresistible taste of ranch seasoning with smooth cream cheese and sharp cheddar, making it a comforting meal perfect for any night of the week.

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 chicken strips with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sear them in the skillet until golden brown and fully cooked, then set aside.
Step 3: Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
Step 4: Reduce heat to medium and add chicken broth, heavy cream, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning to the skillet. Whisk continuously until the sauce is smooth.
Step 5: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely.
Step 6: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet, gently tossing to coat everything evenly with the sauce. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 7: If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 8: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add cooked bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms to the dish.
If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
Use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut for faster preparation.
Fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color, but you can use dried herbs if needed.

Storage

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

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 a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne works well because it holds the sauce nicely, but you can use other pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or rigatoni.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

While you can freeze the dish, the cream-based sauce may change texture after thawing. For best results, freeze the cooked chicken and pasta separately, then combine when reheating.