A close-up of a creamy chicken penne pasta dish served in a white bowl, featuring spiral penne coated in a rich, velvety white sauce, topped with shredded chicken and chopped herbs, with a fork resting on the side.

Creamy & Comforting Crack Chicken Penne Pasta

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Creamy & Comforting Crack Chicken Penne Pasta 🍝🧀✨

1. Introduction

If you’re craving a dish that combines rich, creamy flavors with hearty comfort, then this creamy chicken pasta recipe is your perfect choice. The Crack Chicken Penne Pasta is a popular comfort food pasta recipe that features tender chicken simmered in a velvety sauce, blended with perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s an indulgent yet simple meal that will become a family favorite. Whether you’re Entertaining guests or satisfying a weeknight craving, this comfort food pasta recipe delivers every time. Plus, with straightforward ingredients, it comes together quickly—making it an ideal 30-minute dinner.

2. Ingredients Needed for Creamy Chicken Pasta

  • 1 lb (450g) penne pasta
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or cooked chicken breasts)
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional but recommended for extra flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Olive oil for cooking

3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta

Preparing the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Cooking the Chicken

If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, you can quickly cook chicken breasts in a skillet with olive oil, salt, and pepper until golden and cooked through. Shred the cooked chicken using two forks.

Making the Creamy Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté the garlic powder and smoked paprika until fragrant. Add the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combining and Finishing

Add the cooked shredded chicken and crumbled bacon (if using) into the sauce. Mix well. Incorporate the cooked penne pasta, tossing to coat evenly in the luscious sauce. Simmer for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Garnishing and Serving

Finish with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve hot with extra cheese or your favorite side dishes. For more dinner inspirations, visit our dinner recipes.

4. Storage Tips for Leftover Creamy Chicken Pasta

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. Avoid reheating in the microwave to prevent curdling.

5. Serving Suggestions for Ultimate Comfort Food

Pair this creamy chicken pasta with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. If you want a little crunch, sprinkle additional bacon bits or crushed crackers on top. Enhance your culinary experience with kitchen tools like the CAROTE Premium Nonstick Cookware Set, which makes cooking and cleanup a breeze.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Creamy Chicken Pasta

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with cooked shrimp, turkey, or even crispy bacon for a different twist. Check out other protein-packed recipes at our cheesecake and dessert collection for inspiration.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

For a gluten-free version, substitute traditional pasta with gluten-free penne or zucchini noodles. You can also use almond or coconut-based cream cheese for dairy allergies.

How long does it take to prepare?

With straightforward steps, this comfort food pasta recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

7. Kitchen Tools That You Might Need for This Recipe

8. Related Recipes to Explore

9. Conclusion

This creamy chicken pasta recipe is a delicious blend of comfort and flavor that comes together quickly and easily. Its rich, cheesy sauce paired with tender chicken and pasta creates a hearty meal that everyone will love. Perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy weekends, or entertaining guests, this crack chicken penne pasta is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Try it today and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!

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A close-up of a creamy chicken penne pasta dish served in a white bowl, featuring spiral penne coated in a rich, velvety white sauce, topped with shredded chicken and chopped herbs, with a fork resting on the side.

Creamy & Comforting Crack Chicken Penne Pasta

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Creamy & Comforting Crack Chicken Penne Pasta is the ultimate cheesy chicken pasta recipe perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy family meals. This rich, hearty dish features tender shredded chicken, velvety sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta, making it a go-to comfort food everyone will love. Easily customizable with bacon and fresh herbs, this creamy chicken pasta delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) penne pasta
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or cooked chicken breasts)
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional but recommended for extra flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Olive oil for cooking

Instructions

  1. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, cook chicken breasts in a skillet with olive oil, salt, and pepper until golden and cooked through. Shred the cooked chicken using two forks.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté garlic powder and smoked paprika until fragrant. Stir in the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Add the shredded chicken and crumbled bacon (if using) into the sauce. Mix well. Incorporate the cooked penne pasta and toss to coat evenly. Let simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
  5. Finish by garnishing with chopped parsley. Serve hot, optionally topped with additional cheese or side dishes.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add cooked bacon, chopped herbs, or a sprinkle of extra cheese on top before serving.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess, avoiding microwave reheating to prevent curdling.
  • To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free penne or veggie noodles.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Freezer-Friendly

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 650 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg

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