Description
Learn how to make delicious Crack Chicken Penne. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces penne pasta (regular or whole wheat)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix (or 2 tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a little heat
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish
Substitution tips: If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, Greek yogurt can work in a pinch, though it will change the texture slightly. For a dairy-free version, swap cheeses with your favorite vegan alternatives and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the cut chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chicken should have a nice golden color but remain juicy inside. This step reminds me of those early days when I learned how crucial seasoning and proper cooking times are to avoid dry, tough meat.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the chicken. Stir to coat evenly, letting the spices toast slightly for about 1 minute.
- Add the softened cream cheese, chicken broth, and milk to the skillet. Stir gently until the cream cheese melts completely, creating a creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more broth or milk.
- Mix in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth. This is the moment when the dish truly comes together, just like the comforting family meals I grew up with—simple ingredients elevated by care and timing.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, folding gently to coat every piece in that luscious sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the pasta to soak up the flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives before serving. This final touch adds color and freshness, much like the family dinners where presentation was part of the love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Crack Chicken Penne, recipe, cooking, food
