Dinner

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

ByOlivia Monroe January 14, 2026January 14, 2026

Introduction

Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish loaded with tender chicken and bold ranch flavors. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

A close-up image of creamy pasta in a white bowl is shown, with penne pasta coated in a smooth, light yellow cream sauce forming the base layer. On top, there are several pieces of golden-brown grilled chicken, seasoned with specks of black pepper and small green parsley bits scattered around. The chicken pieces have a slightly crispy texture with charred spots. The background is a white marbled surface. The photo is vibrant and detailed, showing the mix of textures and colors clearly. 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 with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sear the chicken strips in the hot skillet until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and then drain the pasta.
Step 4: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning to the skillet. Whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and warmed through.
Step 5: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Step 6: Return the cooked chicken and drained penne pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 7: If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 8: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if using, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add cooked bacon bits or sliced green onions on top before serving.
Swap penne for other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli to change up the texture.
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, adjusting thickness as needed.
To make it spicier, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce as needed.

How to Serve

A close-up view of creamy pasta with penne noodles coated in a rich, light yellow sauce. On top, several pieces of golden-brown grilled chicken with a slightly crispy texture are scattered unevenly. Small green parsley leaves are sprinkled throughout, adding a touch of color contrast. The dish is presented on a white plate, resting on a white marbled surface. The overall look is warm and inviting, showing a mix of creamy, smooth sauce and textured grilled chicken. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and safety.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for crack chicken penne?

You can substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

Olivia Monroe