Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting combination of creamy sauce, savory chicken, crispy bacon, and melty cheese all wrapped around tender pasta. Crack Chicken Penne is the ultimate easy weeknight dinner that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.

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I first discovered this dish when searching for something indulgent yet simple to make after a long day. The mix of ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and smoky bacon made it an instant hit at my dinner table. Now, it's a go-to recipe when I need something delicious, satisfying, and family-approved.

Why You'll Love This Crack Chicken Penne

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite pasta dish. Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly flavorful meal that’s both comforting and easy to make.

First, it’s incredibly quick and simple. This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

The combination of flavors is unbeatable. The tangy ranch seasoning, rich cream cheese, and smoky bacon create a sauce that coats every bite of pasta in pure deliciousness. It’s the kind of meal that keeps you coming back for more.

It's also a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're cooking for picky eaters, a hungry family, or meal prepping for the week, this dish always gets rave reviews.

And if you love versatility, this recipe is for you. Swap out the protein, adjust the seasonings, or add veggies to customize it to your taste.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Crack Chicken Penne lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building the dish’s signature creamy, cheesy, and savory profile.

Penne Pasta – This pasta shape is perfect because it holds onto the rich sauce so well. You can substitute with rotini, rigatoni, or any short pasta you have on hand.

Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a classic choice, but chicken thighs work just as well for extra juiciness and flavor. Be sure to dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Bacon – The crispy, smoky flavor of cooked bacon adds a delicious contrast to the creamy sauce. Cook the bacon separately and crumble it over the pasta before serving for the best texture.

Cream Cheese – This is what gives the sauce its signature rich, velvety texture. Full-fat cream cheese melts beautifully, but you can use a lighter version if needed.

Ranch Seasoning – A packet of ranch seasoning mix brings all the bold, tangy, herby flavors together. If you prefer homemade, you can mix dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley.

Cheddar Cheese – Sharp cheddar adds the perfect amount of cheesy goodness. Freshly shredded cheese melts much better than pre-shredded for a smooth, creamy sauce.

Chicken Broth – This helps thin out the sauce while adding extra flavor. If you want a richer consistency, use a combination of broth and heavy cream.

A large skillet and a pot for boiling pasta are all you need to bring this dish together effortlessly.

How To Make This Crack Chicken Penne

Making Crack Chicken Penne is as easy as it is delicious. With just a few simple steps, you'll have a creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed dinner on the table in no time.

Start by cooking the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining to help adjust the sauce later if needed.

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add diced bacon. Cook until crispy, then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave a bit of the bacon grease in the skillet for extra flavor.

In the same skillet, add diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Lower the heat and add cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until it begins to melt. Pour in the chicken broth and whisk until smooth. Sprinkle in the ranch seasoning, stirring well to combine.

Once the sauce is creamy and well mixed, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained penne pasta, stirring to coat everything in the rich, flavorful sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and top with the crispy bacon. Mix everything together and let the cheese melt into the sauce before serving warm.

This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight meal.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which isn't always guaranteed!), storing and reheating Crack Chicken Penne is simple.

For refrigeration, place the cooled pasta in an airtight container and store it for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but you can revive it with a splash of broth or milk when reheating.

For freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat, warm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of broth or milk to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

Crack Chicken Penne is incredibly versatile, making it easy to customize based on your preferences or dietary needs.

If you want to lighten it up, swap the cream cheese for Greek yogurt or use a reduced-fat version. It won’t be as rich, but it’ll still be creamy and flavorful.

For extra vegetables, stir in spinach, diced bell peppers, or steamed broccoli at the end for added nutrition and color.

Want to switch up the protein? Try using shredded rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal, or swap in cooked turkey, sausage, or even shrimp.

If you're a spice lover, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to give the dish a little heat.

And for a different cheese twist, try swapping cheddar for pepper jack or gouda to change up the flavor profile.

Crack Chicken Penne is a dish you'll want to make again and again. Whether you keep it classic or experiment with your own twist, it's guaranteed to be a hit!

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