Homemade Chicken Penne Recipe: A Simple Family Favorite

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that satisfy hungry appetites and this chicken penne recipe checks all the boxes.

Creamy sauce coats perfectly al dente pasta, creating a comforting meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among the penne, absorbing rich, savory flavors that dance across your palate.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of protein and pasta that feels both luxurious and homey.

Packed with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, this dish transforms ordinary components into an extraordinary meal.

The blend of herbs and seasonings elevates every bite, making dinner feel like a special occasion.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that proves great food doesn’t need to be complicated.

What Makes Chicken Penne So Satisfying

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A delightful dish that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal everyone will adore, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: Minimal cooking skills required, with straightforward steps that allow even novice cooks to create a restaurant-quality pasta dish in under an hour.
• Versatile Flavor Profile: Combines creamy ranch-infused sauce with savory chicken and crispy bacon, offering a rich taste experience that satisfies diverse palate preferences without complicated techniques.
• Customize and Adapt: Easily modify ingredients by swapping chicken for turkey, adding vegetables, or adjusting cheese types to suit personal tastes and dietary needs while maintaining the recipe's core deliciousness.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta

Main Ingredients:

• Penne Pasta: Classic pasta shape perfect for holding creamy sauces.

• Chicken: Tender and lean protein that adds delicious substance to the dish.
• Bacon: Crispy and flavorful meat that brings a smoky touch.

• Cream Cheese: Rich and smooth base for creating a luxurious sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Silky ingredient that adds extra creaminess.
• Chicken Broth: Savory liquid that enhances the overall flavor.

• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Zesty blend that provides a tangy kick.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth to the dish.
• Onion: Sweet and fragrant vegetable that builds flavor foundation.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that adds richness.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a bright finishing touch.

Cooking Instructions for Chicken Penne Dinner

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook the penne pasta in salted water following package directions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its flavor transformation.

Step 2: Sizzle Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until the onions become translucent and release their sweet, fragrant aroma.

Step 3: Create Silky Sauce Foundation

Reduce the heat to low.

• Softened cream cheese
• Ranch seasoning mix

Stir gently until the mixture becomes smooth and luxuriously creamy.

Step 4: Build Luscious Liquid Layer

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Whisk continuously, creating a velvety sauce that promises pure comfort.

Step 5: Introduce Protein and Cheese Magic

• Shredded chicken
• Half of the crispy bacon bits
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a rich, indulgent coating.

Step 6: Marry Pasta with Sauce

Add the cooked penne to the skillet.

Toss and coat every single pasta piece with the creamy, dreamy sauce until each bite promises maximum flavor.

Step 7: Final Flourish and Serve

Transfer to serving plates.

• Remaining bacon bits
• Fresh chopped parsley

Serve piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with the first delicious bite!

Smart Tips for Cooking Perfect Chicken Penne

• Aim for al dente texture by testing pasta a minute before package instructions suggest, ensuring a firm bite without being hard or mushy.
• Toast ranch seasoning in the skillet for 30 seconds before adding cream cheese to enhance its aromatic profile and intensify overall taste.
• Stir continuously when adding broth and cream, maintaining low heat to create a smooth, creamy consistency without curdling.
• Swap chicken with grilled shrimp, diced turkey, or plant-based protein like tofu for a versatile meal that suits different dietary preferences.
• Adjust sauce consistency by adding more broth for a lighter texture or simmering longer to create a thicker, more concentrated cream sauce.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Chicken Penne

• Store leftover chicken penne in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining best quality.
• Warm refrigerated pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when pasta reaches steaming temperature.

Great Pairings for Creamy Chicken Penne

• Enhance Flavor Pairing: Crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of the creamy penne, balancing its heavy texture with bright, zesty notes.
• Complementary Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to counteract the dish's richness, adding fresh, peppery undertones that refresh the palate.
• Texture-Boosting Crunch: Serve garlic parmesan breadsticks on the side, providing a crispy contrast to the smooth, creamy pasta while echoing the cheese and garlic flavors.
• Temperature Contrast: Add a chilled cucumber salad to introduce a cool, refreshing element that helps break up the warmth and density of the chicken penne.

Twists to Try With Chicken Penne Recipes

• Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular penne with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Ensure ranch seasoning mix is certified gluten-free.
• Lighter Cream Sauce Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk for a healthier, lower-calorie sauce. Use reduced-fat cream cheese to decrease overall fat content.
• Spicy Southwestern Variation: Add diced green chilies, cayenne pepper, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro instead of parsley for a zesty kick.

FAQs

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe isn’t spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne if you want some heat. The ranch seasoning provides a mild, tangy flavor without significant spiciness.

• Can I use different pasta shapes?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta like rotini, farfalle, or shells. Just ensure the pasta cooking time remains similar to maintain the right texture.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat cream cheese, reduced-sodium chicken broth, and lean chicken breast. You can also reduce bacon amount or use turkey bacon for fewer calories.

• What type of chicken works best?

Rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or leftover roasted chicken work perfectly. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the dish.

Chicken Penne Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty chicken penne delivers a symphony of Italian-inspired flavors that dance across your palate. Home cooks can quickly craft this comforting pasta dish with simple ingredients and bold seasonings for a satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 grams) penne pasta
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 8 oz (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup bacon, cooked and chopped

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Aromatics and Garnish:

• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the penne pasta until it reaches a perfect al dente texture, typically 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain the pasta and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing finely chopped onions and minced garlic until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
3. Reduce the skillet’s temperature to low, introducing softened cream cheese and ranch seasoning mix. Whisk diligently until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform sauce.
4. Slowly stream chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, continuously stirring to create a velvety, harmonious sauce that coats the back of a spoon.
5. Fold tender shredded chicken into the creamy mixture, incorporating half of the crispy bacon pieces and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts completely and blends seamlessly.
6. Gently introduce the cooked penne into the skillet, tossing thoroughly to ensure each pasta tube is lavishly enrobed in the rich, creamy sauce.
7. Transfer the decadent pasta to serving dishes, adorning with remaining bacon crumbles and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve immediately while piping hot for maximum flavor and enjoyment.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Choose high-quality penne with ridges to help sauce cling better, creating more flavorful bites.
• Bacon Bonus: Crisp bacon separately for maximum crunchiness, preventing soggy texture when added to the final dish.
• Creamy Consistency: Temper cream cheese at room temperature before cooking to ensure smoother sauce without lumps.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap penne with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version that maintains delicious flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg