Dinner

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

ByAndria Russo January 14, 2026January 14, 2026

Introduction

Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish loaded with tender chicken and bold ranch flavors. It’s a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave something rich and satisfying.

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 skillet until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Step 4: Lower the skillet heat to medium and add chicken broth, heavy cream, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning. Whisk continuously until the sauce is smooth.
Step 5: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
Step 6: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything well in the sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
Step 7: If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 8: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if using, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add crispy bacon bits or swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack cheese.
If you prefer spicier, stir in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing taste.

Storage

Store leftover Crack Chicken Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

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 instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw the chicken completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

Is ranch seasoning necessary?

Ranch seasoning adds the signature flavor to this dish, but you can substitute with a mix of dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder if needed.