Crack Chicken Penne

Save this recipe on:

Creamy, savory, and irresistibly comforting, Crack Chicken Penne is the ultimate dinner indulgence. This dish brings together juicy seared chicken, penne pasta, and a rich, cheesy ranch sauce that clings to every bite. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening or a reward after a long day. The flavors are bold yet balanced—perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even meal prep for the week ahead.

What sets this dish apart is the addictively creamy sauce—made with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and the signature kick of ranch seasoning. It blends perfectly with the savory seared chicken and al dente penne, making each forkful rich and satisfying. It’s comfort food taken up a notch, with layers of flavor and texture that keep you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds).

---

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Penne is ideal for this dish because its tube-like shape captures the creamy sauce inside and out. However, you can substitute with rigatoni, rotini, or even shells if needed. Avoid delicate pasta like angel hair, which won’t hold up to the hearty sauce.

---

Ingredients for the Crack Chicken Penne

• Chicken breasts – Sliced into strips and seared to lock in flavor.
• Penne pasta – Cooks to the perfect bite and holds sauce beautifully.
• Cream cheese – The backbone of the creamy sauce, adding richness.
• Cheddar cheese – Provides sharp, cheesy depth.
• Ranch seasoning – Infuses the dish with tangy, herby flavor.
• Heavy cream – Creates a luscious texture.
• Chicken broth – Adds moisture and flavor base.
• Garlic and onion powder – Enhance the savory profile.
• Olive oil – Used for searing the chicken.
• Fresh parsley – Optional, but adds color and a touch of freshness.

---

How To Make the Crack Chicken Penne

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breasts into strips. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, and sear until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, boil the penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, lower the heat to medium and pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Add cream cheese and ranch seasoning, whisking until smooth. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is silky.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss in the drained pasta. Mix everything gently, allowing the sauce to coat the chicken and penne evenly. Simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm with a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad.

---

Serving and Storing Crack Chicken Penne

This rich and creamy dish is best served fresh off the stove while the sauce is at its smoothest. Pair it with crusty bread or a light arugula salad to balance the richness. If you’re preparing it ahead, it reheats beautifully—just add a splash of milk or broth when warming up to bring the sauce back to life.

For storing, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely and store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is Crack Chicken Penne?

It’s mildly seasoned with a tangy kick from the ranch mix. You can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you want more heat.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Absolutely. Shredded rotisserie chicken works great for saving time. Just stir it into the sauce when you would add the seared chicken.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk can work in a pinch, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can use gluten-free pasta and ensure your ranch seasoning is certified gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Try adding steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas to boost the nutrition and color.

What cheese can I use besides cheddar?

Monterey Jack, Colby, or even mozzarella work well, but keep in mind that they may change the sharpness and texture of the sauce.

---

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Crack Chicken Penne, you’ll probably enjoy these other comforting pasta favorites:

• Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for a rich and herby twist.
• Cajun Chicken Alfredo with bold, spicy flavor.
• Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta for a seafood-forward option.
• Baked Ziti with Ricotta for that classic, cheesy bake.
• One-Pot Spinach Artichoke Pasta for quick, veggie-packed comfort.

---

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add bacon or a dash of heat? Did you swap the pasta?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: