Crack chicken penne is a creamy, comforting pasta dish loaded with tender chicken and a rich, flavorful sauce. Cream cheese, garlic, smoky spices, and herbs blend together to coat every piece of penne in smooth, savory goodness. Made in one pot and ready fast, crack chicken penne is an easy weeknight dinner that delivers big flavor with minimal effort, perfect for family meals or cozy nights in.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This crack chicken penne
- It’s a creamy, dreamy dish that feels like a warm hug.
- One-pot means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
- Quick to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
- Loaded with flavor, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies.
crack chicken penne
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Sauté diced onion until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, stirring frequently.
- Stir in cream cheese and chicken broth until smooth and creamy.
- Add shredded chicken and cooked bacon to the skillet. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Fold in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious crack chicken penne!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 500 |
| Fat | 25g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 45g |
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients for a delicious crack chicken penne!
- 8 ounces penne pasta – your favorite shape of pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken – use rotisserie or leftover chicken
- 4 ounces cream cheese – for creaminess
- 1 cup chicken broth – adds flavor and moisture
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – for cheesy goodness
- 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped – crispy texture and flavor
- 1 small onion, diced – adds aroma and taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – for that wonderful garlicky flavor
- 1 tablespoon butter – for richness
- Salt and pepper to taste – season as you like
- Chopped parsley for garnish – adds a pop of color
How to Make crack chicken penne
This creamy crack chicken penne is a delightful one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. With a preparation time of 10 minutes and a cooking time of 20 minutes, you can have this delicious dish ready in just 30 minutes!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Sauté diced onion until translucent.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, stirring frequently.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Stir in cream cheese and chicken broth until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Add Chicken and Bacon
Add shredded chicken and cooked bacon to the skillet. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Incorporate Cheese
Fold in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
Step 7: Season and Toss
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy sauce.
Step 8: Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious crack chicken penne!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Extra Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Dietary | Not specified |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot and creamy |
Pro Tips for Making crack chicken penne
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful base.
- Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control saltiness.
- Add cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley for a burst of flavor.
- Serve with a sprinkle of parmesan for an extra cheesy touch.
How to Serve this crack chicken penne
- Top with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread for dipping.
- Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Enjoy with steamed broccoli or green beans for a healthy touch.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your crack chicken penne later is easy!
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing
- Cool the dish completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed.
- Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between for even heating.
- Ensure it’s heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What is crack chicken penne and why is it called ‘crack’ chicken?
Crack chicken penne is a creamy pasta dish made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and penne pasta. It’s called ‘crack’ chicken because it’s so delicious and addictive that people can’t get enough of it! The combination of flavors creates a comforting meal that feels indulgent yet is easy to prepare.
2. What ingredients do I need to make crack chicken penne?
To make crack chicken penne, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, penne pasta, cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, chicken broth, shredded cheese, and your choice of vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. These ingredients come together to create a rich and flavorful dish that everyone will love!
3. How do I make crack chicken penne step by step?
To make crack chicken penne, start by cooking the chicken in a pot until it’s no longer pink. Then, add the cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and chicken broth, stirring until smooth. Next, add the penne pasta and cook until al dente. Finally, mix in shredded cheese and any vegetables you like, and let everything simmer until heated through. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious meal!
4. Can crack chicken penne be prepared ahead of time and reheated?
Yes, crack chicken penne can be prepared ahead of time! You can make it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a couple of days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. Just be sure to add a splash of chicken broth if it seems a bit dry after reheating!
Final Thoughts
We hope you’re as excited to try this Easy Creamy Crack Chicken Penne as we are! It’s a delightful dish that brings comfort and joy to any weeknight dinner. With just one pot and simple ingredients, you’ll be savoring every creamy bite in no time. Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction of this recipe—it’s sure to become a family favorite!