Crack Chicken Penne Recipe: Creamy & Irresistible Dinner Idea

This Crack Chicken Penne Recipe combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and al dente pasta in a rich, creamy sauce that’s utterly addictive. The secret? A magical blend of ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and cheddar that transforms simple ingredients into a comfort food masterpiece. Best of all, everything cooks in one pot, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this easy crack chicken pasta is guaranteed to become a regular in your dinner rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Crack Chicken Penne

If you’re wondering why this dish has earned the somewhat unusual name “crack chicken,” it’s simple – the combination of ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheese creates a flavor so addictively good that you just can’t stop eating it! This creamy chicken penne recipe takes that irresistible flavor profile and transforms it into a complete meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.
• Family Favorite: The creamy, cheesy goodness appeals to kids and adults alike – no more cooking separate meals!
• Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when time is limited.
• Meal Prep Champion: Stores and reheats beautifully, so it’s ideal for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week.
• Customizable: Easy to adapt with different pasta shapes or add-in vegetables to suit your family’s preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Crack Chicken Penne

One of the best things about this crack chicken penne recipe is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this creamy, comforting dish:

• Bacon: 4-6 slices, preferably thick-cut for extra flavor and texture. The bacon adds a smoky, savory element that’s essential to the “crack” flavor profile.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: 1 pound, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
• Ranch Seasoning: 1 packet (1 ounce or 2 tablespoons) – this is the secret ingredient that gives the dish its addictive flavor.
• Penne Pasta: 8 ounces (about 2½ cups) uncooked. The tubular shape is perfect for holding the creamy sauce.
• Chicken Broth: 3½ cups, preferably low-sodium to control the salt level.
• Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened. This creates the creamy base for the sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded. Freshly shredded melts better than pre-packaged.
• Fresh Parsley: 1 tablespoon chopped, for garnish and a pop of color.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, though the ranch seasoning already contains salt.

Ingredient Tip: For the best flavor and texture, use block cheese that you shred yourself rather than pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly.

How to Make Crack Chicken Penne

This one-pot crack chicken penne comes together in just a few simple steps. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all those delicious flavors while creating the perfect creamy consistency.

1. Cook the Bacon
2. In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside on paper towels to drain. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot and discard the rest.
3. Brown the Chicken
4. Add the diced chicken to the pot with the reserved bacon fat. Cook over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes until the chicken starts to brown (it won’t be fully cooked yet). Add the ranch seasoning and stir well to coat the chicken pieces.
5. Add Pasta and Broth Add the uncooked penne pasta and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Create the Creamy Sauce
7. Once the pasta is cooked, add the cream cheese to the pot and stir until it melts completely into the sauce. There should still be some liquid in the pot – this will create the creamy sauce as it combines with the cream cheese.
8. Add Cheese and Bacon Add about 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and the cooked bacon pieces (reserve some bacon for garnish if desired). Stir until the cheese is melted and well incorporated into the sauce.
9. Final Cheese Topping Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta. Cover the pot with a lid for about 30 seconds to allow the cheese to melt. Alternatively, you can place the pot under the broiler for 3-5 minutes if you want a slightly browned, bubbly cheese topping.
10. Garnish and Serve Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top of the dish. Serve the crack chicken penne immediately while it’s hot and the cheese is still gooey and melted.

Pro Tips for Perfect Crack Chicken Penne

Pro Tip: Slow Cooker Method

This crack chicken penne can also be made in a slow cooker for even easier preparation. Cook the bacon separately, then add chicken, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and 2½ cups of broth to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. Add the uncooked penne during the last 30 minutes of cooking time, then stir in the bacon and cheese just before serving.

• Don’t Fully Cook the Chicken Initially: Just brown it lightly in the first step – it will finish cooking with the pasta, keeping it tender and juicy.
• Al Dente Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente (with a slight bite) as it will continue to absorb sauce after cooking.
• Sauce Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
• Cheese Selection: While cheddar is traditional, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheese blend for different flavor profiles.

• Make-Ahead Bacon: Cook the bacon ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator to make weeknight preparation even faster.
• Ranch Seasoning: If you don’t have a packet, you can make your own with dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and buttermilk powder.
• Add Vegetables: For a more complete meal, add frozen peas, spinach, or broccoli florets during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper with the ranch seasoning if you prefer a spicier version.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Options

While chicken breast is traditional for this crack chicken penne recipe, you can easily substitute with:

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs (more flavorful)
• Leftover rotisserie chicken (add with the cheese)
• Turkey breast for a lighter option
• Smoked sausage for extra flavor

Pasta Alternatives

Penne works perfectly, but you can use other pasta shapes:

• Rotini to catch more sauce in its spirals
• Farfalle (bow ties) for a fun presentation
• Rigatoni for a heartier bite
• Gluten-free pasta (adjust cooking time)

Dietary Adaptations

Modify this recipe to suit dietary needs:

• Use turkey bacon for less fat
• Substitute Neufchâtel for cream cheese (⅓ less fat)
• Use lactose-free cheese and cream cheese
• Add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for more nutrition

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

This crack chicken penne stores beautifully in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers:

• Allow the pasta to cool completely before storing
• Transfer to an airtight container
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days
• The flavors often develop and improve overnight!

Freezing and Reheating

While cream-based pasta dishes aren’t ideal for freezing, you can freeze this dish if needed:

• Freeze in a buttered 9×13 inch baking dish, tightly wrapped
• Store in the freezer for up to 2 months
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
• Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 30-45 minutes

Best Reheating Methods

Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to revive the creamy sauce.

Microwave: Heat individual portions at 70% power, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and prevent the sauce from separating.

Oven: For larger portions, reheat covered in a 325°F oven until warmed through (about 20 minutes).

Serving Suggestions

This creamy crack chicken penne is a hearty main dish that pairs wonderfully with lighter sides to create a balanced meal. Here are some perfect accompaniments:

• Fresh Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add color and nutrition.
• Tomato Basil Salad: The acidity of fresh tomatoes complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Steamed Green Beans: A simple side that adds color and a fresh element to the meal.

Ingredients

• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 ounce (1 packet or 2 tablespoons) ranch seasoning mix
• 8 ounces (about 2½ cups) uncooked penne pasta
• 3½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon to paper towels to drain, reserving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the pot with the bacon fat and cook over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes until lightly browned (it will not be fully cooked yet).
3. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the chicken and stir to coat evenly.
4. Add the uncooked penne pasta and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Once the pasta is cooked, add the cream cheese and stir until completely melted and incorporated into the sauce.
7. Add 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and most of the cooked bacon (reserve some for garnish if desired). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
8. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the pot for about 30 seconds until the cheese melts, or place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes for a bubbly, golden top.
9. Garnish with the chopped parsley and reserved bacon bits. Serve immediately.

Notes

• For best results, use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-packaged shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting.
• The pasta will continue to absorb sauce as it sits, so the dish is best served immediately.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to revive the creamy sauce.

Nutrition Information

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Ready to Try This Crack Chicken Penne Recipe?

This Crack Chicken Penne Recipe truly lives up to its name – one bite and you’ll be hooked on the creamy, cheesy goodness! The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and al dente pasta coated in a rich ranch-infused sauce creates a comfort food masterpiece that’s surprisingly simple to make.

What makes this dish so special is not just its incredible flavor, but also its versatility and convenience. As a one-pot meal, it minimizes cleanup while maximizing taste. Whether you’re cooking for a family weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week ahead, or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for guests, this crack chicken penne delivers every time.

We’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Did you try any variations? Share your experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to save this recipe for future dinner inspiration. Happy cooking!