Crack Chicken Penne is a delightful blend of creamy flavors, tender chicken, and tantalizing spices wrapped around perfectly cooked penne pasta. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when comfort food is at the top of your family’s wishlist. With its rich ranch flavor and easy prep, it has become one of my go-to recipes to satisfy cravings and bring everyone to the table.
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it’s a quick and easy one-pan meal that comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner. You’ll love how it uses simple, everyday ingredients, yet transforms them into a restaurant-quality dish that’s sure to impress. Additionally, the combination of ranch seasoning with cream cheese and cheddar gives this dish a unique twist, which kids and adults alike will devour.
“This is my family’s new favorite! It’s delicious, easy to make, and leftovers taste even better!” – Happy Cook
The cooking process explained
Making Crack Chicken Penne is straightforward and can be broken down into a few simple steps that ensure you’ll have a scrumptious meal without any fuss. First, you’ll cook the pasta. While that’s happening, you’ll sauté onions and garlic to build flavor. Then, it’s just a matter of combining the creamy ingredients and chicken with the pasta. The end result is a dish everyone will be raving about.
What you’ll need
To whip up this mouthwatering Crack Chicken Penne, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (perfect for using leftovers!)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or add in your favorite vegetables for a twist!
