Quick & Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe Your Family Will Love

Whipping up a delectable crack chicken penne can turn an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

Creamy textures and bold flavors dance together in this irresistible pasta dish.

Comfort meets excitement with every single bite of this crowd-pleasing meal.

Perfectly seasoned chicken melts into a rich sauce that coats each penne noodle.

Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing while preparing this simple yet impressive recipe.

Cheese and herbs add an extra layer of deliciousness that makes you want to savor every mouthful.

Dive right in and create a dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How To Make Crack Chicken Penne Step By Step

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and give a quick spray of non-stick magic to a large baking dish.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Boil salted water and cook penne pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, then drain and set aside.

Step 3: Season Chicken Generously

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper

Step 4: Create Creamy Goodness

Spread dollops of cream cheese across the chicken and drizzle ranch dressing all over.

Step 5: Bake Until Tender

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken is fully cooked through and hits 165°F internal temperature.

Step 6: Shred And Mix

Pull the chicken apart right in the baking dish using two forks, blending it with the melted cream cheese and ranch sauce.

Step 7: Combine Pasta And Chicken

Toss the cooked penne into the chicken mixture, ensuring every pasta piece gets coated in the dreamy sauce.

Step 8: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and return to the oven for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts completely.

Step 9: Garnish With Flair

• Crispy bacon bits
• Chopped green onions
• Fresh chives

Step 10: Let Flavors Dance

Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes, letting all those incredible flavors mingle and get to know each other before serving.

Top Tips For Creamy Crack Chicken Penne

• Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Cook penne exactly 8-10 minutes to maintain perfect al dente texture without becoming mushy.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Generously season chicken with multiple spices before baking to enhance overall taste profile.
• Check Chicken Doneness: Use meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe 165°F internal temperature, preventing undercooking.
• Boost Protein Options: Substitute chicken with rotisserie, turkey, or plant-based protein for varied dietary preferences.
• Create Creamy Consistency: Stir shredded chicken thoroughly with cream cheese and ranch to distribute sauce evenly throughout dish.

Tasty Spins On Crack Chicken Penne

• Vegetarian Ranch Pasta Bake: Replace chicken with firm tofu or white beans, using vegetable broth instead of ranch dressing for protein-rich alternative.
• Gluten-Free Chicken Ranch Pasta: Swap penne with gluten-free pasta made from rice or chickpea flour, ensuring same creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken Pasta: Add diced jalapeños, replace ranch with chipotle sauce, incorporate black beans and corn for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Ranch Chicken Casserole: Substitute pasta with roasted cauliflower florets, maintaining creamy ranch sauce and protein-packed chicken base.

What Pairs Well With Crack Chicken Penne

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to complement the creamy, rich flavors of the chicken pasta, cutting through the heaviness with bright acidity.
• Serve with Tangy Side Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the dish's richness and provide a fresh contrast to the creamy chicken pasta.
• Match with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a simple roasted vegetable side with zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus to add nutritional depth and introduce a slightly charred, earthy element to the meal.
• Enhance with Craft Beer Pairing: Choose a light amber ale or wheat beer that offers subtle maltiness to harmonize with the cheesy, bacon-topped pasta without overwhelming the delicate chicken flavors.

Storing Crack Chicken Penne The Right Way

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Pack the dish in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even heating. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore moisture if needed.

FAQs For Crack Chicken Penne

• Is this dish spicy?

No, this recipe is mild and creamy with savory seasonings like garlic and onion powder. The ranch dressing adds flavor without heat.

• Can I use different pasta shapes?

Absolutely! Penne works great, but you can substitute rotini, fusilli, or shells to match your preference.

• Do I need to precook the chicken?

No, the chicken is baked directly in the dish and will cook completely during the baking process, ensuring it reaches safe internal temperature.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, kids typically love this cheesy pasta dish with mild flavors and creamy sauce. The bacon and cheese make it extra appealing to children.

Why Crack Chicken Penne Is Packed With Flavor

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like chicken for turkey or swap cheeses to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly adaptable.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and straightforward cooking steps mean less cleanup and more enjoyment, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy ranch chicken pasta combines beloved flavors that appeal to kids and adults, transforming a simple meal into a delightful family feast.
• Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with protein from chicken, cheese, and bacon, this dish delivers a balanced meal that keeps everyone full and happy.

Crack Chicken Penne Ingredient List

• Chicken Breasts: Protein-rich meat that serves as the primary component of this creamy pasta dish.
• Penne Pasta: Classic tube-shaped pasta that provides a hearty base for the recipe.
• Cream Cheese: Creamy ingredient that creates a rich and smooth sauce for the chicken and pasta.
• Ranch Dressing: Tangy condiment that adds flavor and moisture to the chicken and pasta mixture.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds a delicious golden topping to the dish.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper: Spices that enhance the overall flavor of the chicken.
• Bacon Bits, Green Onions, Chives: Garnishes that provide extra texture and fresh flavor to the finished dish.

• Aluminum Foil, Non-Stick Spray, Salt: Essential items for cooking and preparing the baking dish.

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy crack chicken penne delivers irresistible comfort straight from home kitchens. Cheesy, herbed pasta combines simple ingredients for a quick family-friendly meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing

Pasta:

• 16 oz penne pasta
• 1/4 cup chicken broth

Seasonings and Toppings:

• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup bacon bits
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup chives, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a large baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
3. Place whole chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and generously season with garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
4. Dollop cream cheese across the chicken breasts and drizzle ranch dressing evenly over the top.
5. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken is completely cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Remove from oven and shred the chicken directly in the baking dish using two forks, mixing it with the melted cream cheese and ranch sauce.
7. Add cooked penne pasta to the chicken mixture, stirring to coat every pasta piece with the creamy sauce.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and return to the oven for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts completely.
9. Remove from oven and garnish with crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, and chives.
10. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.

Notes

• Swap chicken for rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken to reduce overall cooking time and simplify preparation.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter, protein-packed alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for extra heat and depth of flavor without overwhelming the dish.
• Prepare this recipe ahead of time by assembling everything in the baking dish and refrigerating until ready to bake, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg