Crack Chicken Penne is a rich, creamy pasta dish that’s perfect for comfort food lovers. It features tender chicken breasts, smooth cream cheese, zesty ranch seasoning, and shredded cheddar, all tossed with penne pasta. This easy yet indulgent meal is ideal for busy weeknights or cozy dinners with family.
Ingredients:
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3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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8 ounces penne pasta
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8 ounces cream cheese, softened
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1 packet ranch seasoning mix
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1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 10–12 minutes. Drain and set aside. -
Prepare the Chicken:
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides and no longer pink in the center, about 6–8 minutes. -
Create the Sauce:
Lower the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese along with the ranch seasoning mix. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy. -
Combine Ingredients:
Add the cooked penne pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently until every piece is coated evenly with the creamy mixture. -
Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet briefly until the cheese melts completely, about 2–3 minutes. -
Serve:
Transfer to plates and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serving Size:
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
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Calories: 560
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Sugar: 3g
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Sodium: 680mg
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Fat: 28g
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Saturated Fat: 15g
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Unsaturated Fat: 10g
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Trans Fat: 0g
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Carbohydrates: 42g
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Fiber: 3g
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Protein: 37g
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Cholesterol: 130mg
Why Crack Chicken Penne is So Special
There’s something magical about Crack Chicken Penne. It’s a dish that combines some of the most beloved ingredients in comfort food—chicken, cheese, and ranch seasoning—and blends them together to form a smooth, creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta. But it’s not just the ingredients that make this recipe so special; it’s the ease and versatility it offers.
Unlike many complex pasta dishes, Crack Chicken Penne requires only a few simple ingredients and can be whipped up in no time. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and nearly foolproof. You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your taste by adding extra spices or different types of cheese, making it the perfect base for customization.
Additionally, the creamy ranch flavor in this dish provides a familiar comfort that makes it both nostalgic and timeless. The cream cheese and chicken broth create a luscious, velvety sauce that elevates the penne to new heights. The addition of cheddar cheese adds richness and depth, while the ranch seasoning brings a tangy twist that perfectly complements the other flavors.
The Perfect Meal for Busy Weeknights
One of the best things about Crack Chicken Penne is its convenience. With a busy lifestyle, it can be tough to find time to cook elaborate meals. This recipe, however, is quick and easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort and time. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a piping hot, flavorful dish that’s sure to satisfy your hunger and your taste buds.
Since this recipe uses ingredients that are commonly found in most kitchens—chicken breasts, penne pasta, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and shredded cheddar—you likely won’t need to make an extra trip to the store. This makes it an ideal weeknight meal that’s both budget-friendly and hassle-free.
The process itself is simple: cook the pasta, prepare the chicken, create the creamy sauce, and toss everything together. It’s a one-pan meal (aside from the pot for pasta) that results in minimal cleanup, which is always a win for busy home cooks.
Versatility and Customization
While Crack Chicken Penne is already delicious on its own, one of its best features is the ability to customize it to fit your family’s preferences. Whether you want to add vegetables, change the seasoning, or experiment with different cheeses, this dish is as flexible as it is flavorful.
Here are a few ways you can switch things up to make this dish your own:
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Add Vegetables: For a more balanced meal, you can add vegetables like spinach, peas, broccoli, or bell peppers. These can be sautéed with the chicken or tossed in with the pasta at the end for extra nutrition and flavor.
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Change the Cheese: While sharp cheddar is the go-to cheese for this recipe, you can experiment with other cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a bit of heat.
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Spice It Up: If you like a bit of kick in your food, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the ranch seasoning mix. This adds a subtle heat that can elevate the flavor profile of the dish.
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Bacon Lovers: If you’re a fan of bacon, crumbled bacon pieces can be added to the sauce or sprinkled on top for an extra layer of smokiness and crunch.
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Make It Lighter: If you’re looking to lighten up this dish, you can substitute the cream cheese with a lighter version or use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Opting for whole wheat penne pasta is another way to boost the fiber content without sacrificing the creamy texture of the dish.
Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
One of the standout features of Crack Chicken Penne is how well it works for families or gatherings. Kids and adults alike will appreciate the creamy, cheesy goodness of the dish, and it’s guaranteed to become a crowd favorite. It’s also the type of meal that can easily be doubled or tripled if you’re hosting a family dinner or a potluck. The flavors are universally loved, so it’s a great option for picky eaters or those with different dietary preferences.
Additionally, Crack Chicken Penne is a meal that can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for leftovers. The creamy sauce holds up well when reheated, making it a convenient option for meal prepping or enjoying the next day.
Nutritional Information
While Crack Chicken Penne is undeniably indulgent, it does offer a decent balance of macronutrients. Each serving is a hearty mix of protein from the chicken, fat from the cream cheese and cheddar, and carbohydrates from the pasta. For those looking to enjoy a comforting meal without compromising too much on nutrition, the recipe is a good option in moderation. However, it’s important to note that this dish is on the richer side, so portion control or adjustments (like lighter ingredients) might be necessary for some.
Conclusion: A Recipe Worth Trying
Crack Chicken Penne is a quintessential comfort food that brings together simple ingredients to create a creamy, flavorful, and indulgent meal. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and ability to satisfy even the pickiest eaters make it an ideal recipe for any occasion, whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner for your family or serving it at a gathering with friends.
The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy goodness all come together to form a dish that’s truly irresistible. With the flexibility to adjust ingredients and make it your own, Crack Chicken Penne is a meal that will continue to delight, time and time again. So, whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone just getting started in the kitchen, this dish is one worth adding to your recipe collection.
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