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A serving of Crack Chicken Penne in a white ceramic dish with melted cheese, set on a wooden cutting board with a glass of white wine.

The Best Crack Chicken Penne Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy, and Irresistible

This Crack Chicken Penne is a rich, creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, a velvety ranch-seasoned sauce, and the perfect balance of cheesy goodness. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a comforting meal the whole family will love!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: dinner, main dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast diced
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Pot for boiling pasta
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife for chopping chicken

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and ranch seasoning. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cream cheese and let it melt into the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce is smooth.
  4. Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and continue cooking until the sauce is thick and creamy. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and stir to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese.
  • This recipe can be customized with vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrients.
  • To make spicier, add red pepper flakes or buffalo sauce to the mix.