The Best Crack Chicken Penne

Are you ready to have your taste buds tantalized by the creamy, flavorful goodness of The Best Crack Chicken Penne? This dish is a delightful blend of tender pasta tossed in a savory, cheesy sauce, loaded with juicy chicken and bursting with a medley of spices. The origins of “Crack Chicken” come from its addictive flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more. Trust me when I say, it’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that the whole family will love!

One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. In just under 30 minutes, you can whip up a comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. If you love this dish, you’ll also want to check out my Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta recipe—it shares that same comforting vibe and smiles with minimal effort! So roll up your sleeves and get ready to dive into this delectable recipe that may just become a new family favorite!

What is The Best Crack Chicken Penne?

Now, let’s talk about this quirky name, Crack Chicken Penne. Why “crack,” you ask? It’s not because it’s served with a side of trouble, but rather because this dish is so irresistibly delicious that it feels like a guilty pleasure. Ever heard the saying, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? Well, that’s exactly the vibe we’re going for here! Imagine serving your family this creamy, cheesy penne, and they’re all helplessly devouring it while asking for seconds! It’s playful, it’s fun, and it’s certainly unforgettable. So, ready to get crackin’ in the kitchen?

Why You’ll Love This Crack Chicken Penne

There are countless reasons why you’ll fall head over heels for The Best Crack Chicken Penne. Firstly, the creaminess of the sauce combined with tender, shredded chicken makes for an unparalleled flavor explosion that dances on your palate. Secondly, making this incredible dish at home is not only satisfying but wallet-friendly too! No need to splurge on takeout when you can whip up this delightful meal for far less.

Lastly, the real kicker is the special toppings. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dusting of grated Parmesan elevates the dish to new heights. Trust me, you’ll be going back for those extra scoops! If you’re also a fan of creamy casseroles, be sure to check out my Chicken and Rice Casserole for another comforting experience. So why wait? Gather those ingredients and get ready to impress.

How to Make The Best Crack Chicken Penne

Quick Overview

This delightful dish is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. In just about 25 minutes, you can transform ordinary ingredients into a delicious meal that’ll have everyone raving! With its creamy texture and rich flavors, every bite will leave you craving more.

Key Ingredients for The Best Crack Chicken Penne

To create your own luscious Crack Chicken Penne, gather the following ingredients:

• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken: In a skillet, add chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat until the chicken is cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and shred the chicken using two forks.
3. Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, add cream cheese, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir until the cream cheese melts and combines with the broth, creating a creamy sauce.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken and cooked penne to the skillet. Mix everything until the penne is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
5. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, stirring until melted and well-combined.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm. Enjoy every creamy bite!

What to Serve Crack Chicken Penne With

To round out your meal, consider serving The Best Crack Chicken Penne with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread for dipping into that irresistible sauce. A refreshing cucumber salad can also be a great side, balancing the creamy richness with a bit of crunch. Looking to make it a full meal? Pair with a light white wine or sparkling water infused with lemon for a bubbly refreshment!

Top Tips for Perfecting Crack Chicken Penne

1. Ingredient Swaps: If you’re in a pinch, you can swap boneless chicken breasts for rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation. It saves time and adds fantastic flavor!
2. Mix It Up: Want to spice things up? Try adding some diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for an extra veggie boost.
3. Sauce Balance: If the sauce appears too thick, simply add a splash more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftover Crack Chicken Penne can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, ensure that it’s cooled to room temperature before sealing. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to rehydrate the sauce as necessary.

Now that you know how to make The Best Crack Chicken Penne, I hope you’ll give this delicious recipe a try! With its creamy comfort and quick prep, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your home. Happy cooking!

Crack Chicken Penne

This dish is a delightful blend of tender pasta tossed in a savory, cheesy sauce, loaded with juicy chicken and bursting with a medley of spices.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 8 ounces penne pasta Use any preferred brand.
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts Feel free to use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese Allow it to soften at room temperature first.
• 1 cup chicken broth Use low sodium if preferred.
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese You can substitute with another cheese if desired.
• to taste Salt and pepper Season according to preference.
• for garnish Fresh parsley Chop before garnishing.

Method

 

Cooking the Pasta

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside.

Preparing the Chicken

1. In a skillet, add chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper.
2. Cook over medium heat until the chicken is cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
3. Remove from the skillet and shred the chicken using two forks.

Creating the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add cream cheese, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning mix.
2. Stir until the cream cheese melts and combines with the broth, creating a creamy sauce.

Combining Ingredients

1. Add the shredded chicken and cooked penne to the skillet.
2. Mix everything until the penne is fully coated in the creamy sauce.

Final Touches

1. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, stirring until melted and well-combined.
2. Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

Leftover Crack Chicken Penne can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently with a splash of chicken broth if needed.