Dinner

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

ByAndria Russo January 16, 2026January 16, 2026

Introduction

This Crack Chicken Penne recipe combines tender chicken strips with a creamy, cheesy ranch sauce that perfectly coats every bite of penne pasta. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that comes together quickly, ideal for busy weeknight dinners.

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 the chicken strips with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sear them in the skillet until golden and cooked through, then set aside.
Step 3: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
Step 4: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning to the skillet. Whisk the mixture until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely into the sauce.
Step 6: Return the cooked chicken and the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce, then simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Step 7: If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
Step 8: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if using, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, toss in some cooked bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms before adding the sauce.
Use rotisserie chicken strips for a quicker version of this dish.
Try swapping cheddar for a sharper cheese like aged white cheddar or pepper jack for a spicy twist.
If fresh parsley isn’t available, dried parsley or basil can be a suitable substitute.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the 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 a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape that holds sauce well, such as fusilli or rotini, can be substituted for penne in this recipe.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

You can freeze this dish, but cream-based sauces may separate upon thawing. For best results, freeze before adding the cream sauce and combine when reheating.