Crack Chicken Penne with Cheddar – Quick Creamy Weeknight Dinner
Crack Chicken Penne with Cheddar – Quick Creamy Weeknight Dinner
When you need dinner on the table fast but don’t want to sacrifice flavor, this crack chicken penne delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort. This creamy pasta dish combines tender chicken, rich cream cheese, zesty ranch seasoning, and melted cheddar cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience that both kids and adults will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices beef bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken cubes and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Step 3: Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Pour in chicken broth and milk, then stir in ranch seasoning. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Fold in cooked pasta, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled beef bacon. Stir until cheese melts and everything is well combined.
Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot.
Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Penne
Don’t overcrowd the pan: When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet to ensure proper browning. Cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Freshly grated cheese: For the creamiest sauce, use freshly shredded cheddar rather than pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
Customize your veggies: Feel free to add broccoli florets, spinach, or diced bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition and color.
If you love creamy pasta dishes, you might enjoy our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta or this Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake for more weeknight dinner inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This dish reheats beautifully. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to refresh the sauce.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
Greek yogurt or sour cream can work as substitutes, though the sauce will be thinner. You may need to reduce the liquid slightly to maintain the creamy texture.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen and thawed, but this recipe holds up reasonably well. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
For another delicious creamy pasta option that’s ready in minutes, try our Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe. And if you’re looking for more comfort food classics, our Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is always a family favorite.
Crack Chicken Penne with Cheddar – Quick Creamy Weeknight Dinner
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken cubes and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.
- Pour in chicken broth and milk, then stir in ranch seasoning. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Fold in cooked pasta, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled beef bacon. Stir until cheese melts and everything is well combined.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot.
