The Perfect Crack Chicken Penne Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible crack chicken penne that promises pure culinary magic.

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this dish will have everyone begging for seconds.

The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich sauce creates an instant crowd-pleaser.

Each bite delivers a symphony of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

Bacon adds a smoky crunch that elevates the entire experience.

Home cooks adore how simple yet satisfying this recipe becomes with minimal effort.

Prepare to fall in love with a meal that turns an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast.

Crack Chicken Penne Delicious Features

• Speedily Satisfy Hunger: Whip up a delicious one-pot meal that comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Packed with Comfort Flavors: Combine the irresistible trio of bacon, chicken, and cheese in a creamy ranch-seasoned pasta that delivers maximum flavor and guaranteed crowd-pleasing results.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Create a kid-approved dish that appeals to all ages, with simple ingredients and a rich, creamy texture that makes everyone happy around the dinner table.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Enjoy a complete meal prepared in a single Dutch oven, reducing dish washing and making mealtime preparation and cleanup a breeze for home cooks.

Crack Chicken Penne Ingredient Overview

• Penne Pasta: A hearty pasta shape that holds sauce well and provides a satisfying texture.
• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the dish.
• Bacon: Provides a crispy, smoky element that enhances the overall taste.

• Cream Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Creamy ingredients that create a rich and smooth sauce with tangy flavor.

• Ranch Seasoning, Chicken Broth, Parsley: Seasonings and herbs that add depth, moisture, and fresh garnish to the final dish.

How to Cook Crack Chicken Penne

Step 1: Crisp Up The Bacon

Fry bacon in a Dutch oven until golden and crunchy.

Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, leaving a tablespoon of fat in the pan.

Roughly chop the crispy bacon into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Sear The Chicken

Place chicken into the same pan with bacon drippings.

Cook for about 3 minutes until it starts developing a beautiful golden color.

Sprinkle ranch seasoning over the chicken and toss to ensure every piece is evenly coated with flavor.

Step 3: Boil The Pasta

Add penne pasta and chicken broth to the pan.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low.

Cover and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until pasta reaches perfect tenderness, absorbing all those delicious flavors.

Step 4: Melt The Creamy Goodness

Introduce cream cheese into the pan, stirring until it melts completely and creates a luxurious sauce.

Fold in the chopped bacon and cheddar cheese, mixing everything together for a rich, comforting blend.

Step 5: Final Cheesy Touch

Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top.

Cover the pan briefly to allow cheese to melt into a gorgeous golden blanket.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for Creamy Crack Chicken Penne

• Crisp bacon thoroughly for maximum flavor and texture, ensuring it crumbles perfectly when added back to the dish.
• Evenly distribute ranch seasoning by tossing chicken pieces gently, allowing each bite to be fully flavored.
• Monitor liquid levels during cooking to prevent sticking, adding extra broth if needed for ideal pasta consistency.
• Cut cream cheese into smaller cubes for faster, smoother melting and more even distribution throughout the dish.
• Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley just before serving to add a bright, herbaceous note and vibrant color to the creamy pasta.

Crack Chicken Penne Flavor Options

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace penne with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free ranch seasoning for celiac-friendly meal.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using smoked tempeh bacon for similar flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Edition: Replace penne with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based cheddar cheese alternatives, keeping the rich and creamy consistency for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Ways to Serve Crack Chicken Penne

• Creamy Comfort Companion: Pair this rich, cheesy penne with a crisp green salad to balance the dish's heaviness.
• Protein Power Boost: Top with extra crispy bacon bits or grilled chicken strips for added protein and crunch.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle chopped chives, green onions, or fresh parsley to brighten the creamy flavor and add color.
• Hearty Side Kick: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to create a complete, satisfying meal.

Crack Chicken Penne Storage Instructions

• Store cooled crack chicken penne in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
• Wrap the dish securely in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm gently in microwave with splash of extra broth to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and restore creamy texture.
• When reheating, add small amount of milk or cream to help restore original consistency and prevent cheese from becoming grainy or clumpy.

FAQs

• What's the purpose of leaving 1 tablespoon of bacon fat?

The bacon fat adds rich flavor and helps sauté the chicken, creating a more delicious base for the entire dish.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Penne works best because its tube shape holds the creamy sauce well, but you can substitute with similar short pasta like rigatoni or ziti.

• Do I need fresh ranch seasoning or can I use a packet?

Ranch seasoning packet works perfectly and is actually recommended for consistent flavor and ease of preparation.

• How spicy or mild is this dish?

This crack chicken penne is mild and creamy, with ranch seasoning providing a subtle tangy flavor that’s kid-friendly and appealing to most taste preferences.

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy, cheesy Crack Chicken Penne delivers irresistible comfort food straight from home kitchens. Savory shredded chicken, ranch seasoning, and melted cheese create an addictive pasta experience you cannot resist.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
• 8 ounces (226 grams) uncooked penne pasta
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon

Sauce & Cheese Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning

Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sizzle bacon in a Dutch oven until golden and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel, reserving one tablespoon of rendered fat in the pot.

1. Sear chicken pieces in the reserved bacon fat, cooking for approximately 3 minutes until initial browning occurs. Sprinkle ranch seasoning over chicken, thoroughly coating each piece.

1. Pour penne and broth into the pot. Elevate heat to bring mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce temperature. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing pasta to absorb liquid and become tender.

1. Incorporate cream cheese into the pot, stirring continuously until completely melted and sauce becomes smooth. Fold in chopped bacon and the primary portion of cheddar cheese, blending thoroughly.

1. Scatter remaining cheese across the surface. Cover the pot briefly, allowing residual heat to melt cheese into a luxurious topping. Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Crisp the bacon thoroughly for maximum crunch and flavor depth, ensuring it doesn’t become burnt or bitter.
• Use homemade ranch seasoning for a fresher taste and control over sodium levels, which can be adjusted for dietary needs.
• Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature before adding to create smoother, lump-free sauce consistency.
• Swap penne with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, gluten-free alternative that maintains the dish’s creamy essence.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg