One chilly evening, I needed something comforting that felt like a warm hug in a bowl. I glanced at leftover chicken, a box of penne, and a tub of cream cheese—and an idea clicked. A creamy pasta infused with bacon-like chicken flavor? Yes, please.

As a minimalist cook and flavor chaser, I believe comfort food shouldn’t be complicated. This Crack Chicken Penne brings rich cheese, tender chicken, and earthy herbs together in a one-pot wonder—hearty, family-friendly, and filled with cozy vibes.

The first time I served it, my family dove in before I could even say grace. That creamy sauce clung to every noodle, and the bites of chicken felt indulgent without being heavy. Now it’s a go-to when I want a quick, satisfying dinner without fuss.

Crack Chicken Penne - Crack Chicken Penne

Short Description

A creamy, cheesy penne pasta tossed with tender chicken, garlic, and herbs—easy to prep, cozy to eat, and full-flavored in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

For the pasta and sauce

12 oz (340 g) penne
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 lb (450 g) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
½ cup chicken broth or milk

Flavor boosters

1 tsp dried parsley (or 2 Tbsp fresh)
½ tsp dried thyme or rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup grated Parmesan
Optional: ¼ tsp crushed red pepper for mild heat

Substitutions

Dairy-light: use lite cream cheese and milk
Gluten-free: swap for GF penne
Vegetarian: substitute chicken with roasted cauliflower or chickpeas

Tools Needed

Large pot for pasta
Large skillet or sauté pan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Colander

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook pasta
Boil penne in salted water until just al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set penne aside.

Step 2: Sauté garlic
In the same pot or a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add chicken and herbs
Stir in cooked chicken, parsley, thyme (or rosemary), salt, pepper, and optional red pepper. Cook until chicken is warmed through.

Step 4: Make the sauce
Lower heat to medium-low. Add cream cheese, sour cream, and broth (or milk). Stir continuously until cream cheese melts and sauce becomes silky.

Step 5: Combine with pasta
Return penne to the pan, stirring to coat everything evenly. If sauce seems thick, pour in reserved pasta water in small bursts until it reaches the texture you like.

Step 6: Finish with cheese
Stir in grated Parmesan and remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy comfort: luscious cheese sauce without fuss
One-pot ease: fewer dishes, more flavorful results
Family favorite: mild, cheesy, and kid-approved
Quick weeknight meal: ready in under 30 minutes
Adaptable: swap proteins or herbs based on what’s on hand

Helpful Tips and Cooking Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency—it helps stretch richness without thinning flavors.

Use leftover or rotisserie chicken to save time. If using raw chicken, sauté in olive oil until fully cooked through before adding garlic.

Soften cream cheese to room temperature. It melts faster and creates a smooth sauce.

Keep heat medium-low once the sauce starts. Too much heat may cause the dairy to separate, so stir gently until creamy.

Let the dish rest a minute after cooking. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and cling to the pasta.

Nutritional Benefits & Fun Facts

Chicken brings lean protein while dairy gives calcium and creaminess. Herbs like parsley add antioxidants, and using small amounts of broth and pasta water keeps the dish balanced.

Fun fact: “Crack chicken” got its name from its addictive flavor—everyone can’t stop at just one bite.

Final Dish & Serving Suggestions

The final dish glows with a rich, creamy sauce coating each piece of penne. Speckles of herbs and pearl-white chicken chunks peek through. It smells like cozy nights and shared plates.

Serve with steamed green beans or spinach to cut the richness. A simple side salad or grated lemon zest over the top adds brightness. For crunch, sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or chopped parsley.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or milk to bring sauciness back.

To freeze, transfer cooled pasta into a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight and reheat as above. Sauce may thin—just add a little extra cream cheese or Greek yogurt when warming.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
Yes—sauté raw chicken pieces in olive oil for 5–7 minutes until no longer pink before moving to Step 3.

2. What if my sauce is grainy?
Cream cheese may not have melted fully or sauce was too hot. Remove from heat and whisk until smooth. Add a splash of broth to help.

3. Can I add veggies to this?
Absolutely! Fold in steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach along with the pasta at Step 6.

4. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes. Cool first, then freeze in portioned containers. Thaw overnight before reheating slowly with milk.

5. How can I make it lighter?
Use light cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and milk instead of creamier options. Swap broccoli or extra veggies for part of the penne.

Final Thoughts

Crack Chicken Penne proves rich comfort food doesn’t need a complicated recipe. It combines creamy sauce, tender chicken, and pasta all in one streamlined dish. I hope it becomes one of your favorite dinner ideas, especially on nights you crave both ease and warmth.

Feel free to share your own variations or toppings—did you add broccoli or sneak in spinach? I’d love to know! If you enjoyed it, pin it for a cozy night in.