Dinner

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

ByLily Cross January 14, 2026January 14, 2026

Introduction

Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish loaded with tender chicken and flavorful ranch seasoning. It’s a comforting and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners. With simple ingredients and quick steps, this recipe brings rich, satisfying flavors to your table.

A close-up view of creamy pasta with grilled chicken strips on top, showing two main layers: the bottom layer is penne pasta coated in a rich, smooth cream sauce with a light yellow color and soft texture, and the top layer consists of golden-brown grilled chicken pieces with a slightly crispy surface, sprinkled with small green parsley bits and black pepper flakes for color contrast. The dish is presented on a white plate resting on a white marbled surface, with a woman's hand holding a fork lifting some pasta from the plate. 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 hot skillet until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken 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, then add chicken broth, heavy cream, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning. Whisk the mixture until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
Step 6: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 7: If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 8: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add crispy cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms to the dish.
Substitute penne with rigatoni or rotini if preferred, as they hold the sauce well.
Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter version, but reduce the cooking time after adding to avoid curdling.
Fresh herbs like chives or dill can be used instead of parsley for a different herbal note.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up view of creamy pasta with grilled chicken pieces. The pasta is coated in a smooth, cheesy sauce that is light yellow in color and soft in texture. On top and mixed within the pasta are slices of golden-brown grilled chicken, with a slightly crispy surface and a few places showing grill marks. Small green parsley leaves are sprinkled over the dish, adding a fresh contrast. The whole dish rests on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts but make sure to thaw them completely before slicing and cooking to ensure even cooking and safety.

Is ranch seasoning necessary?

Ranch seasoning adds a distinctive tangy herb flavor that complements the creamy sauce, but you can substitute with garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and a pinch of salt if you don’t have ranch mix on hand.