Go Back
- 12 oz penne pasta - 1 lb cooked and shredded chicken breast - 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1/2 cup ranch seasoning mix - 1/2 cup chicken broth (preferably low sodium) - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1/2 cup green onions, finely chopped - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste To make Crack Chicken Penne Pasta, you need simple yet key ingredients. The penne pasta serves as a hearty base. I prefer cooked and shredded chicken breast for a tender bite. Cream cheese adds creaminess and richness. Ranch seasoning mix brings a bold flavor. Low-sodium chicken broth enhances the sauce without too much salt. Freshly shredded cheddar and mozzarella create that gooey texture we love. Extra virgin olive oil helps sauté the chicken perfectly. Green onions add a fresh crunch. Lastly, salt and pepper allow you to adjust the taste to your liking. Using these ingredients allows you to create a dish that is both filling and delicious. The blend of flavors creates a meal that is hard to resist. {{ingredient_image_2}} To cook the penne pasta, start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water. This adds flavor to the pasta. Once the water boils, add the penne pasta. Cook it for about 10-12 minutes. You want it to be al dente—firm but not hard. This texture helps the pasta hold up when mixed with the sauce. After it's done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the cooked and shredded chicken. Sauté the chicken for 2-3 minutes. Keep stirring to heat it evenly. This step makes sure the chicken warms up nicely and is ready to mix with the sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of ranch seasoning mix. Add 1/2 cup of chicken broth to this mix. Stir it well until it is smooth and free of lumps. A smooth sauce coats the chicken better and makes every bite tasty. Pour the creamy ranch mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Stir continuously to coat the chicken well with the sauce. This ensures every piece of chicken is full of flavor. The sauce should cling to the chicken, so each bite is rich and delicious. Turn the heat to low and add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir gently until the cheeses melt and blend into the sauce. This creates a rich and creamy texture that brings everything together in a comforting way. Finally, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together gently. This helps the pasta soak up the sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. For a fresh touch, fold in 1/2 cup of finely chopped green onions. Serve it hot in individual bowls, topped with extra cheese and green onions for a bright finish. Enjoy this simple and hearty meal! - Salt in boiling water: Always add salt to your boiling water. This step helps flavor the pasta. I use about one tablespoon of salt for 4 quarts of water. - Timing for perfect texture: Cook the penne until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but tender. Check the package for timing. Usually, it’s around 10-12 minutes. - Avoiding lumps in sauce: To keep the sauce smooth, stir the cream cheese well before adding it to the pan. Mix it with ranch seasoning first. This helps break up any lumps. - Adjusting thickness with chicken broth: If your sauce is too thick, add chicken broth. This will help thin it out. Start with a little and add more if needed. - Adjusting spice levels: If you like it spicy, add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. - Substituting cheese options: You can use different cheeses. Try pepper jack for a kick or gouda for a smoky flavor. Mix and match to find what you love! Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker prep time, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and shredding chicken breast yourself. This saves time and adds extra flavor. Customize the Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese based on your preference. Pepper jack or gouda can add a unique twist to the flavor profile of the dish. Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to maintain creaminess. Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick. {{image_4}} To make Crack Chicken Penne Pasta healthier, you can try some simple swaps. Use low-fat cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese. This switch cuts calories without losing flavor. Also, try low-fat cheese options for an even lighter dish. Adding vegetables boosts nutrition and flavor. Chop up some spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli. Toss them in with the pasta for a colorful touch. You can also use frozen peas or carrots; they are easy to add and taste great. Want to switch things up? Change the type of ranch dressing you use. There are many flavors available, like spicy or herb-infused ranch. This adds a new twist to your dish. You can also create your own seasoning blend. Mix garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs for unique flavors. A homemade blend can give your pasta a personal touch that store-bought mixes often lack. Crack Chicken Penne Pasta pairs well with many sides. Garlic bread is a classic choice. It’s perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce. A fresh green salad complements the richness of the pasta. For a fun twist, turn this dish into a casserole. Pour the pasta mixture into a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake until bubbly. This option is great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. To keep your Crack Chicken Penne Pasta fresh, use airtight containers. Glass containers work best. They help prevent spills and keep the food safe. Make sure the pasta cools down before sealing. This helps avoid steam buildup, which can make the pasta mushy. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking. Place the pasta in the fridge right away. Leftover pasta stays fresh for up to three to four days. You can reheat your pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop. For the microwave, place the pasta in a safe bowl. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. If you use the stovetop, warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a bit of olive oil or broth to help with moisture. Stir often to keep it from sticking. Leftover Crack Chicken Penne Pasta lasts three to four days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. In the freezer, it can last up to three months. Watch for signs of spoilage like an off smell, changes in color, or mold. If you see any of these, it’s best to throw it away. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just cook it fully before shredding. Thaw it first for best results. Use a slow cooker or Instant Pot to save time. If you need a substitute, try Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. Both will add creaminess. They also bring a tangy flavor, which is nice in this dish. To make this dish vegetarian, replace chicken with cooked mushrooms or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra veggies for more flavor. Yes, you can prepare it ahead. Cook the pasta and sauce, then mix them. Store in the fridge. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving. This dish pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with steamed veggies for a balanced meal. Enjoy your delicious creation! In this blog post, we explored how to make Crack Chicken Penne Pasta, starting with essential ingredients like penne, chicken, and creamy cheeses. We outlined cooking tips, steps for a smooth sauce, and ways to enhance flavors. I shared variations for healthier options and addressed storage techniques. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. Remember to customize the dish to fit your taste. Enjoy making this flavorful meal your own!

Crack Chicken Penne Pasta

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring shredded chicken and a blend of cheeses, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb cooked and shredded chicken breast
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 0.5 cup ranch seasoning mix
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 0.5 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a vigorous boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
  • In a spacious skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the shredded chicken and sauté for approximately 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Stir frequently to ensure even heating.
  • In a mixing bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, and chicken broth. Stir vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined, ensuring no lumps remain.
  • Pour the creamy ranch mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Stir continuously to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
  • Reduce the heat to low, then sprinkle the freshly shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese into the skillet. Gently stir the mixture until the cheeses melt completely.
  • Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the finely chopped green onions for an added fresh flavor burst. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Keyword cheese, chicken, creamy, pasta