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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

Find it online: https://www.serenarecipes.com/creamy-comforting-crack-chicken-penne-pasta/