Crack Chicken Penne Families Love

Highlighted under: Easy Comfort Recipes

A delightful pasta dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and penne pasta, perfect for family gatherings.

Anna

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2025-12-10T16:07:20.324Z

This Crack Chicken Penne is a comforting dish that combines the heartiness of pasta with the savory flavors of crack chicken, making it a hit with families everywhere.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Rich, creamy sauce that envelops every bite.
  • Tender chicken that falls apart with a fork.
  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.

A Family Favorite

Crack Chicken Penne is more than just a meal; it's an experience that brings families together. Whether it's a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. The combination of tender chicken and creamy sauce enveloped in perfectly cooked penne pasta creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and delicious.

This recipe is designed for families who appreciate hearty meals without the fuss. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a satisfying dish in no time. Plus, it's a great way to use leftover chicken, making it even more convenient for busy weeknights.

Perfect for Meal Prep

One of the best aspects of Crack Chicken Penne is its suitability for meal prepping. You can easily make a large batch and store leftovers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. This means less time cooking and more time enjoying meals with your loved ones.

To store, simply let the dish cool before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for a longer shelf life. When you're ready to eat, just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, and you have a delicious meal ready to go.

Customization Options

While this recipe is fantastic as is, one of the joys of cooking is the ability to customize dishes to suit your preferences. Consider adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the mix for added nutrition and color. These ingredients complement the creamy sauce beautifully and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

For those who love a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce can elevate the flavor profile. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or mozzarella, to give your Crack Chicken Penne a unique twist.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Crack Chicken Penne

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Gather all your ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Steps to Prepare

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, combine the cooked chicken, cream cheese, chicken broth, ranch dressing, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and mix until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Crack Chicken Penne warm, and share with family and friends!

Serving Suggestions

To truly make the most of your Crack Chicken Penne, consider pairing it with a fresh side salad. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette can balance the richness of the pasta. Alternatively, some garlic bread or crusty rolls can add a delightful crunch and serve as a great vehicle for the creamy sauce.

For a fun twist, you could also prepare a side of roasted vegetables. This not only adds nutritional value but also enhances the meal's presentation, making it even more appealing to family and guests.

Storage & Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to the pasta to help loosen the sauce, preventing it from becoming too thick. Stir well while reheating on medium heat until warmed through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to three months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works great in this dish.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just cook the pasta when you're ready to serve.

→ What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter option.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free penne pasta.

Crack Chicken Penne Families Love

A delightful pasta dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and penne pasta, perfect for family gatherings.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Anna

Recipe Type: Easy Comfort Recipes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients for Crack Chicken Penne

  1. 8 oz penne pasta
  2. 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
  3. 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  4. 1 cup chicken broth
  5. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  6. 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  7. 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
  8. Salt and pepper to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

In a large skillet, combine the cooked chicken, cream cheese, chicken broth, ranch dressing, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 03

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and mix until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Total Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 30g