Introduction

Crack Chicken Penne is the perfect fusion of creamy goodness and rich flavors that almost everyone adores. It combines the heartiness of penne pasta with the tender, mouthwatering taste of chicken in a luscious sauce, making it a delightful one-pot meal. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just satisfy your family during a busy weeknight, this recipe shines with simplicity and satisfaction.

What elevates Crack Chicken Penne is its unique flavor profile, thanks to the meld of spices and cream that wraps around each piece of pasta. Ideal for busy cooks, this dish comes together quickly, ensuring no one has to wait long for dinner. Plus, leftovers heat up beautifully, so meal prep becomes a breeze!

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta
Penne is a tube-shaped pasta that holds sauces well, making it a great carrier for the creamy and savory sauce in this dish. The shape and texture create a satisfying bite, helping to absorb the surrounding flavors.
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Chicken breasts provide the perfect protein for this recipe. When cooked, they’re tender and easily absorb the surrounding flavor, becoming flavorful pieces that contribute to the overall creaminess of the dish.
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
Ranch seasoning adds a robust, tangy flavor that’s characteristic of ‘crack chicken’ recipes. This dry mix contains herbs and spices that enhance the taste of the chicken and sauce, giving it that addictive quality.
8 oz cream cheese
Cream cheese lends a velvety texture and richness to the sauce. It melts beautifully, creating a creamy coating for the pasta and chicken, making the dish truly comforting.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Cheddar cheese adds depth and a robust flavor to the dish. When melted, it enhances the creaminess and ties together the ingredients beautifully, creating a luscious experience in every bite.
1 cup chicken broth
Chicken broth is essential for creating the sauce's base and helps to cook the pasta while infusing it with flavor. The broth ensures the dish remains moist and full of savory notes.
2 tbsp olive oil
Olive oil is used to sauté the chicken, providing a flavorful base for the dish. It helps in developing the initial layers of taste, allowing the chicken to brown perfectly.
1/2 cup diced green onions
Green onions add a fresh, slightly sharp taste that cuts through the creaminess of the sauce. They provide contrast and a nice pop of color to the finished dish.
Salt and pepper to taste
Salt and pepper are essential for adjusting the final flavor of the dish. They elevate the overall taste, ensuring everything melds seamlessly without overpowering the other ingredients.

Directions & Preparation

Step 1: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

Cooking the penne to al dente ensures it retains a bit of firmness and doesn’t become mushy in the final dish. Drain the pasta but reserve a little pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency later if needed.

Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the chicken breasts.

Searing the chicken helps to lock in the juices, creating a golden exterior that adds texture and flavor. Don't rush this step; allowing the chicken to cook evenly is key for a tender, juicy result.

Step 3: Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.

Proper seasoning enhances the chicken's natural flavor. Ensure the chicken is cooked through for safety; you can check its doneness by cutting into it; the juices should run clear, and there should be no pinkness inside.

Step 4: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding.

Allowing the chicken to rest keeps it juicy. Shredding it after a brief resting will maintain moisture inside the pieces, making them tender and flavorful.

Step 5: In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and ranch seasoning, stirring to combine.

Utilizing the skillet you cooked the chicken in ensures you capture all the flavorful bits left behind, enhancing the sauce's complexity. The broth helps deglaze the skillet, making for a more robust sauce.

Step 6: Reduce heat to low and whisk in the cream cheese until fully incorporated.

Whisking the cream cheese into the broth creates a smooth and creamy sauce. Keeping the heat low prevents the sauce from boiling, which can cause the cream cheese to curdle.

Step 7: Add the shredded chicken back to the skillet and stir until well coated with the sauce.

This step ensures the shredded chicken absorbs the creamy, seasoned sauce deeply. Mix thoroughly, allowing the chicken to meld with the flavors and keep it warm while preparing the next step.

Step 8: Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, mixing everything together.

Integrating the penne with the chicken and sauce is crucial for flavor distribution. Be gentle to avoid breaking the pasta, but ensure every piece is coated in the creamy mixture, creating that rich, cohesive flavor.

Step 9: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced green onions, and mix until the cheese is melted.

Adding the cheddar at this stage enriches the sauce even further, enhancing flavor and creaminess. The green onions provide a fresh pop of color and taste, making the dish visually appealing and inviting.

Crack Chicken Penne | Easy Pasta Recipe step photo

The Magic of Creaminess

The luscious creaminess found in Crack Chicken Penne is key to its charm. The mixture of cream cheese and cheddar not only brings a silky texture that clings to each piece of pasta but also balances the medicinal qualities of chicken broth and ranch seasoning. This harmony is what makes each spoonful feel indulgent, comforting, and satisfying, turning an everyday meal into a special treat.

Flavor Combinations That Work

At the heart of Crack Chicken Penne is the marriage of hearty ingredients that enhance the dish’s flavor. The ranch seasoning mix, with its blend of herbs and spices, draws out the natural flavors of the chicken while adding a kick of zest. Each ingredient contributes to a layered profile, with the creamy base enveloping the chicken and pasta, making every bite memorable and enjoyable.

A One-Pot Wonder

One of the greatest advantages of Crack Chicken Penne is its simplicity and ease of cleanup. Everything is cooked in a single skillet, making it not only quick to prepare but also convenient for busy weeknights. With minimal dishes to wash afterward, it transforms into a practical choice for parents, students, or anyone eager for a delightful, hassle-free meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.

FAQs

Can I make Crack Chicken Penne with ground chicken?

Yes, you can use ground chicken instead of chicken breasts. Just cook it until fully browned before adding the broth and seasonings.

What if my sauce turns out too thick?

If your sauce ends up too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Definitely! You can mix in vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli for extra nutrients and flavor. Just sauté them before adding the broth.

How can I adjust the spice level?

To spice things up, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or using a spicier ranch seasoning if available.

Is this recipe easily scalable for a crowd?

Absolutely! You can double or even triple the ingredients while keeping the cooking method the same, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy this delicious pasta.

What if my penne pasta overcooks?

If your pasta is overcooked, it may get mushy, but just mix it gently with the sauce, and it will still be flavorful. Serve immediately for best texture.

Conclusion

Crack Chicken Penne is not just a meal; it's a dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to every table. With its creamy sauce enveloping tender chicken and pasta, it’s bound to become a household favorite. Plus, the simplicity of cooking it all in one pot makes it practical for any home cook looking for quick yet delicious recipes.

So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy creating this delightful dish that’s sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Once you create it, you will share it with family and friends, never quite able to resist going back for seconds.

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