Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

There's nothing quite like the irresistible combination of creamy cheese, smoky bacon, and tender chicken coming together in a single dish. Crack Chicken Penne is the ultimate comfort food – rich, indulgent, and packed with flavor. Every bite is a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness with a touch of ranch seasoning that keeps you coming back for more.

this Recipe

I first stumbled upon this recipe when I needed a quick, family-friendly meal that used up pantry staples. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish has become a staple in our home. Whether you're looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, Crack Chicken Penne is always a hit!

Why You'll Love This Crack Chicken Penne

Get ready to fall in love with this addictively delicious dish! Crack Chicken Penne checks all the boxes when it comes to flavor, ease, and family-friendliness.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a creamy, cheesy pasta dish ready in under 30 minutes. No complicated techniques, just pure comfort food!

It’s also budget-friendly. Using simple ingredients like pasta, chicken, bacon, and ranch seasoning means you can create a meal that’s affordable without sacrificing flavor.

Best of all, this recipe is versatile. Want to lighten it up? Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese. Need a little extra spice? Toss in some red pepper flakes. You can easily customize it to suit your taste.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Crack Chicken Penne lies in its carefully chosen ingredients. Each component contributes to the creamy, savory perfection of the dish.

Penne pasta is the ideal choice for this dish. Its sturdy shape holds up well to the creamy sauce, ensuring that every bite is coated in cheesy goodness. You can swap it for rotini or rigatoni if needed, but penne works best.

For the chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect. They cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the creamy sauce beautifully. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.

Bacon adds that signature smoky, salty bite that makes this dish so addictive. I recommend cooking the bacon until it’s extra crispy before crumbling it into the pasta – it provides the perfect textural contrast.

Ranch seasoning is the secret ingredient that brings everything together. Its combination of herbs, garlic, and tangy flavors enhances the dish without overpowering it.

Cream cheese and cheddar cheese work together to create an ultra-creamy sauce. The cream cheese provides a silky texture, while the sharp cheddar adds a rich depth of flavor. For an extra cheesy kick, try mixing in some mozzarella or pepper jack.

How To Make This Crack Chicken Penne

Making this dish is simple and straightforward, perfect for a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend meal.

Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook until al dente, then drain and set aside. Reserve about a cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. Cut it into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken in a bit of olive oil until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Once done, remove it from the pan and let it drain on a paper towel. Crumble it into small pieces.

Next, make the creamy sauce. Reduce the heat to low and add cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir until the cream cheese melts into a smooth sauce. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until fully incorporated.

Finally, combine everything. Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and crumbled bacon into the sauce, tossing to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more pasta water to reach the desired consistency. Serve hot and enjoy!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare in our house!), Crack Chicken Penne stores beautifully for a quick and easy meal later.

For refrigeration, store the pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce and prevent it from drying out.

To freeze, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove over low heat, adding extra liquid as needed.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Crack Chicken Penne is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have on hand.

Want to make it healthier? Swap the cream cheese for Greek yogurt or light cream cheese, and use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for added fiber.

Looking for a low-carb option? Serve the creamy chicken and bacon sauce over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of pasta.

If you love spicy food, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce for a fiery kick.

For an extra veggie boost, toss in some sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. They’ll add a pop of color and extra nutrients without compromising flavor.

However you choose to make it, Crack Chicken Penne is guaranteed to be a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Give it a try and let me know how you customized it!

Print