Introduction: The Comfort of Chicken Penne
Few dishes deliver cozy satisfaction like a bowl of creamy chicken penne. It’s rich, filling, and comes together easily — which is why it continues to be a go-to choice for home cooks everywhere. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for something hearty and comforting after a long day, this dish checks every box.
The classic combo of pasta, chicken, and cheese never disappoints. With tender penne acting as the perfect sauce catcher, and creamy elements like cream cheese and shredded cheddar adding richness, it’s a recipe built for indulgence and convenience. Even better, it’s easy to adapt using ingredients already in your fridge or pantry, making it ideal for weeknight cooking. For a little inspiration, explore other creamy chicken pasta dishes that follow a similar comforting format.
One reason chicken penne recipes are so popular is that they bring together familiar, well-loved components: pasta, chicken as food, and cream cheese. These are ingredients people already know and enjoy, and combining them into one skillet or pot results in a dinner that feels both homemade and restaurant-worthy. To explore variations that suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences, browse more chicken pasta recipes or check out easy pasta dinners for more quick, satisfying options.
What Makes Chicken Penne So Satisfying
There’s a reason chicken penne pasta is a comfort food staple—it’s filling, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. With the tender texture of penne pasta paired with juicy chicken and a creamy, cheesy sauce, every bite offers richness and warmth. This one-pan dish delivers bold flavors while still being easy enough for a quick weeknight meal.
The components work together beautifully: cheddar cheese adds sharpness, while cream cheese melts into a silky base. The seasoned sauce—enhanced with garlic, onion powder, and ranch seasoning—soaks into the ridges of the penne, creating a perfectly coated pasta. If you’re curious about how pasta shapes like penne hold sauce better, the article on penne pasta explains the purpose of its tube-like structure in Italian cooking.
This combination of flavors and textures makes it stand out from other pasta dishes. Adding turkey bacon gives the dish a smoky element without overpowering the creaminess. If you’re seeking variety, browse creamy chicken pasta recipes to see just how many delicious ways you can remix this dish using similar ingredients.
Ingredient Breakdown
Pasta:
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12 oz penne pasta – Ideal for catching sauce inside the tube and holding texture after cooking
Chicken:
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2 cups cooked chicken breast – Shredded or diced; use rotisserie chicken for convenience
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Learn more about its culinary uses at chicken as food
Bacon & Cheese:
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6 oz turkey bacon – Lean and flavorful protein boost
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Melts smoothly into the sauce for bold flavor
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1 (8 oz) block cream cheese – Adds body and creaminess to the sauce
Liquids & Seasoning:
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1 cup milk + ½ cup chicken broth – Thins the sauce while adding richness
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1 packet ranch seasoning – Adds depth and a tangy, herby flavor
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½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp black pepper – Rounds out the flavor
Garnish:
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2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional) – For a fresh, bright finish
Want more ways to use these ingredients in different meals? Browse easy pasta dinners or chicken pasta recipes to build your own comfort food lineup.
Customizations & Substitutions
This recipe is easy to tailor based on what you have or how you eat:
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Pasta swaps: Use fusilli, bowtie, or rotini — all are excellent sauce-holding shapes
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Dairy-free: Substitute cream cheese and cheddar with plant-based alternatives and use almond milk or oat milk
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Bacon alternatives: Try veggie bacon, omit it entirely, or add crumbled sausage for extra richness
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Add vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or peas blend seamlessly into the creamy base
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Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes, buffalo sauce, or a dash of smoked paprika
Want more ideas for easy, adaptable recipes? Explore one pot pasta ideas for more customizable options.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta
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Cook the penne pasta
Boil until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. -
Make the sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, combine milk, cream cheese, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, ranch seasoning, and black pepper. Stir constantly until the cream cheese fully melts and the sauce is smooth. -
Add the protein
Stir in the cooked chicken and crumbled turkey bacon. Simmer 3–4 minutes. -
Melt the cheddar
Add in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and incorporated. -
Combine everything
Fold in the cooked pasta. Stir until evenly coated and creamy. -
Garnish and serve
Top with chopped green onions if desired and serve hot.
Want to simplify dinner even further? Check out one pot pasta ideas to discover more time-saving meals.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken penne pasta is delicious on its own but also shines alongside:
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Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
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Caesar salad or simple green salad
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Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or carrots
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A light glass of iced tea or lemon water
It’s great for potlucks, packed lunches, or reheating for meal prep — especially when portioned in advance.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This pasta dish stores and reheats well, making it ideal for leftovers or batch cooking:
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Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
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Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce
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Microwave: Reheat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot
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Freezing: While you can freeze it, the dairy-based sauce may separate slightly when thawed. Stir well while reheating
Creamy pasta dishes like this one reheat best on the stove, where you can stir and adjust texture as needed.
Why It’s a Weeknight Winner
This chicken penne pasta recipe checks all the boxes for busy weeknights:
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Uses everyday ingredients you already have
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Comes together in one pan after the pasta is cooked
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Takes less than 30 minutes
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Kid-approved, cheesy, and satisfying
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Easy to double for meal prep or leftovers
Find more quick wins like this one by browsing one pot pasta ideas or saving your favorite chicken pasta recipes for later.
FAQs – Based on Google “People Also Ask”
Can I use any pasta instead of penne?
Yes, other short pasta like fusilli, bowtie, or rotini work great. These shapes are excellent at holding creamy sauces.
What kind of chicken works best?
Pre-cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken is ideal. It saves time and soaks up flavor quickly in the sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Store the sauce and pasta separately if possible, then combine before serving. This helps prevent the pasta from absorbing too much liquid.
Is ranch seasoning necessary?
It’s a key ingredient for flavor, but you can substitute with a blend of dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, and a pinch of salt.
How do I make this dish lighter?
Use light cream cheese, skim milk, and reduced-fat cheddar. Skip the bacon or use a leaner alternative like turkey bacon.
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Why Chicken Penne Recipes Are the Perfect Comfort Food
Description
This easy chicken penne pasta is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory flavor. With just a few ingredients, it’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prepping ahead of time.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
6 oz turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
1 cup milk
½ cup chicken broth
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add milk, cream cheese, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and ranch seasoning. Stir constantly until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Stir in the cooked chicken and crumbled turkey bacon. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to heat everything through.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and fully incorporated.
Fold in the cooked pasta and stir until everything is well combined and coated with the creamy sauce.
Serve hot, garnished with green onions if desired.
Notes
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Cook the pasta just until al dente—overcooked pasta will get mushy when stirred into the sauce
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Use room-temperature cream cheese for faster melting
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Add the cheese gradually to prevent clumping
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Don’t skip the garlic and onion powder—they bring depth to the ranch base
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If reheating, stir in a little milk or broth to keep the sauce smooth
