Crack Chicken Penne
Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy and indulgent pasta dish that combines tender chicken with zesty ranch seasoning, delivering a satisfying flavor explosion. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe comes together quickly and is topped with gooey cheese and fresh parsley for an irresistible finish. Your family will be asking for seconds!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 oz)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Shred the chicken.
- Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, and chicken broth; mix until creamy.
- Gently fold in the cooked penne, adding reserved pasta water if needed for desired consistency.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 492
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 672mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Substitute whole wheat penne for a healthier option. Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save preparation time.