A creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed pasta dish featuring tender chicken and a rich ranch-infused sauce. Perfect for a comforting meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultra Creamy and Cheesy – Loaded with cream cheese, cheddar, and Parmesan for a rich, indulgent sauce.
Packed with Flavor – Ranch seasoning, smoked paprika, and garlic powder create a deliciously seasoned dish.
Quick and Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Family Favorite – A comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that both kids and adults will love.
One-Pan Convenience – Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in one skillet.

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add chicken broth, heavy cream, and cream cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Add ranch seasoning mix, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and well combined.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the cooked penne pasta. Stir to coat everything in the sauce.
Cook for another 2 minutes until heated through.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories per Serving: 580 kcal

Variations

Spicy Version – Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for extra heat.
Bacon Lover’s Twist – Stir in crispy bacon bits for added smokiness.
Vegetable Boost – Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
Low-Carb Option – Swap penne pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Extra Protein – Use shredded rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal prep.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. Microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Rotini, rigatoni, or fettuccine work well with this creamy sauce.

Is there a substitute for ranch seasoning?

You can make a homemade blend using dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat with a bit of cream or broth.

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

Add a little extra chicken broth or heavy cream while reheating to maintain the creamy consistency.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works great in this recipe.

What cheese melts best in this dish?

Cheddar, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack are excellent choices for a smooth, melty sauce.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes! The creamy, cheesy flavors make it a hit with kids. You can adjust the seasonings for picky eaters.

Can I make this without cream cheese?

You can substitute cream cheese with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor.

What protein alternatives can I use?

Turkey, shrimp, or tofu can be used instead of chicken for a different twist.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all seasonings are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Crack Chicken Penne is the ultimate creamy, cheesy comfort food that’s perfect for busy nights. With bold flavors from ranch seasoning and smoked paprika, this dish is sure to be a family favorite. Quick, easy, and satisfying, it’s a must-try for pasta lovers. Make it today and enjoy a delicious homemade meal!

Crack Chicken Penne

Author: Chef Clara
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Cheesy, creamy pasta with tender chicken in a rich ranch-infused sauce, delivering a flavorful and comforting meal everyone will love!

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Boil penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add chicken broth, heavy cream, and cream cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Add cheese and seasoning: Mix in the ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and well combined.
Combine everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the cooked penne pasta. Stir to coat everything in the sauce.

Finish and serve: Cook for another 2 minutes until heated through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.

Can be made with different pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American