Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

There's nothing quite like the creamy, cheesy goodness of Crack Chicken Penne filling your kitchen with its irresistible aroma. This dish combines tender chicken, smoky bacon, rich ranch seasoning, and a luscious cream sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta for the ultimate comfort meal.

this Recipe

I first discovered this recipe when I needed a quick yet satisfying dinner for my family. After a long day, I wanted something that came together easily but still packed a ton of flavor. Now, it's a regular request at our dinner table, and once you try it, you'll see why!

Why You'll Love This Crack Chicken Penne

Get ready to fall in love with a dinner that’s both indulgent and incredibly easy to make. Crack Chicken Penne is everything you want in a meal—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor.

First off, it’s unbelievably simple. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight but you still want a homemade dinner.

This dish is a crowd-pleaser. The combination of ranch, bacon, and cheese is always a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s the kind of meal that disappears fast, with everyone asking for seconds.

Plus, it’s budget-friendly. Using pantry staples like pasta, cream cheese, and chicken, you can create a filling and satisfying meal without breaking the bank.

Finally, it’s easily customizable. Whether you prefer using different proteins, adding veggies, or switching up the cheese, this recipe adapts beautifully to whatever you have on hand.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Crack Chicken Penne lies in its simple, yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one contributes to the rich, creamy texture and bold flavors that make this dish unforgettable.

Penne Pasta is the perfect choice for this dish, as its ridges help hold onto the creamy sauce. However, you can also use rotini, rigatoni, or any other pasta you have on hand.

Chicken Breasts are ideal for this recipe, offering a lean and tender protein source. If you prefer, chicken thighs work just as well and provide extra juiciness.

Bacon adds a smoky, savory element that takes this dish to the next level. For best results, cook it until crispy before adding it to the sauce.

Ranch Seasoning is the key to that signature crack chicken flavor. Use a store-bought packet or make your own blend with dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Cream Cheese and Heavy Cream create the luxuriously thick and creamy sauce. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

If you have a large skillet or deep sauté pan, it will make the cooking process smoother, allowing you to combine everything easily.

How To Make This Crack Chicken Penne

Making Crack Chicken Penne is a straightforward process that results in a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the pasta until al dente. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken by cutting it into bite-sized pieces.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Once done, remove it from the pan and set it aside, leaving a bit of the bacon grease for extra flavor.

Next, add the chicken to the same skillet and cook until golden brown on all sides. The goal is to get a nice sear while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Once cooked through, remove the chicken and set it aside.

Reduce the heat to medium and add cream cheese, heavy cream, and ranch seasoning to the skillet. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.

Return the chicken and bacon to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Stir everything together, making sure the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese and mix until melted and gooey.

The entire process takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, making it a fantastic option for a quick yet satisfying meal.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely!), Crack Chicken Penne stores beautifully for easy meals later in the week.

For refrigeration, transfer the pasta to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day.

For freezing, let the pasta cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave with a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Crack Chicken Penne is how easily you can tweak it to fit your preferences.

If you’re looking for a low-carb option, swap out the pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with lighter alternatives.

For extra vegetables, toss in spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli. These additions add color, texture, and a boost of nutrients.

Prefer a different protein? Try using shredded rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal. You can also use turkey or even shrimp for a fun twist.

Switch up the cheese by using Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick.

Want to make it spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce for a little heat.

Crack Chicken Penne is the kind of dish that invites experimentation. No matter how you customize it, the result is always a creamy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying meal. Give it a try, and watch it become a new favorite in your household!

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