Crack Chicken Penne Pasta – Best Chicken Recipes for Dinner
Penne pasta and chicken have always been friends, but this recipe feels like the moment they decided to move in together. The sauce is creamy without being heavy, the pasta holds onto every drop, and the chicken brings comfort that makes the whole dish worth a second serving. I like how penne keeps its shape when it’s baked or tossed around in sauce—it never quits on you. That’s why I keep penne recipes close whenever I want something filling but easy enough not to scare me off.
When I first made this, I thought it might be another one of those penne pasta recipes that tastes good the first night and then just sits in the fridge. But no—this one sticks around in a good way. Leftovers hold up, which makes this recipe chicken friendly for meal prep too. I’ve served it on busy weeknights, brought it to potlucks, and reheated it after long days. Each time, the bowl came back empty.
Chicken recipes usually get called easy or quick, but this one deserves it. It doesn’t ask much of you, other than stirring, waiting, and then grabbing a fork. Whether you love easy penne pasta recipes for their simplicity or you just want a recipe chicken dish that makes sense after a long day, this one feels like a safe bet.
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and ranch seasoning, and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Reduce heat to low and add cream cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Pour in chicken broth and stir to create a smooth sauce.
- Add cooked pasta, shredded cheddar, and crumbled bacon. Toss until everything is coated in the sauce.
- Sprinkle sliced green onions on top before serving.