Crack Chicken Penne

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that comes together in a flash and will have everyone at the table asking for seconds, Crack Chicken Penne is your new best friend. Imagine creamy, cheesy pasta combined with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a mouthwatering ranch seasoning that brings everything together in the most addictive way. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser—it’s rich, indulgent, and totally irresistible. You might just find yourself making this again and again, because trust me, it’s one of those recipes that’s impossible to stop at just one bite.

Why You’ll Love Crack Chicken Penne

Let me tell you why this is about to be your go-to pasta dish:

• Creamy and Comforting: The creamy sauce, packed with ranch flavor, envelops the pasta and chicken in all the right ways, making every bite feel like a hug from the inside.
• Quick and Easy: This is the perfect weeknight meal when you’re short on time but still craving something hearty. With just a few ingredients, you can have this on the table in no time.
• Bacon Makes Everything Better: The crispy bacon adds that salty crunch that perfectly balances the richness of the dish. It’s the little extra that makes it special!
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner with friends, this dish will have everyone raving about it. It’s simple, satisfying, and loved by all ages.
• Perfect for Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is rare), they taste just as delicious the next day, making it an excellent meal prep option.

Ingredients

Let’s break down the ingredients for Crack Chicken Penne—it’s all about that perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness:

Ingredients:

• Penne Pasta: The pasta of choice for this dish! Penne holds the sauce beautifully, giving you just the right amount of pasta with each bite.
• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded. The chicken adds a nice, tender bite to the dish.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon is key to adding that irresistible crunch and savory flavor.
• Cream Cheese: For that creamy, velvety texture that makes the sauce so rich and dreamy.
• Cheddar Cheese: A must for that cheesy, melty goodness.
• Ranch Seasoning: The secret ingredient that brings all the flavors together. This is where the “crack” part comes in—the ranch seasoning creates that addictive flavor.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: To enhance the savory base of the dish.
• Heavy Cream: This adds an extra layer of richness to the sauce, making it ultra-creamy.
• Salt & Pepper: For seasoning to taste.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Now that we’ve got everything we need, let’s get to cooking this delicious Crack Chicken Penne:

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once the water is boiling, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken and Bacon

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon, crumble it, and set aside. In the same skillet, add the chicken and cook until it’s browned and cooked through. Shred the chicken using two forks and set aside with the bacon.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low and add the cream cheese. Stir until it starts to melt. Next, add the heavy cream, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until smooth and creamy.

4. Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and bacon back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir to coat the pasta and chicken in that delicious sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.

5. Add the Cheddar Cheese

Once everything is nice and hot, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the pasta and stir until it’s fully melted into the sauce. You want that cheesy, gooey goodness to mix into every bite!

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Crack Chicken Penne warm with a side salad or garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal. Trust me, this one will quickly become a favorite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

How to Serve Crack Chicken Penne

This dish is rich enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with some tasty sides:

• Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will help balance the richness of the pasta.
• Garlic Bread: What’s pasta without garlic bread? The buttery, garlicky goodness pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts are excellent side dishes that bring some color and nutrition to the meal.

Additional Tips

• Customize the Protein: Feel free to swap out the chicken for cooked ground beef, turkey, or even sausage if that’s what you prefer.
• Make It Spicy: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a little kick.
• Leftovers: This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce.
• Make It Even Cheeser: Add a handful of mozzarella cheese for extra melty goodness if you’re a cheese lover!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! You can use any type of pasta you prefer, but penne is ideal because it holds the sauce well. Rigatoni, rotini, or farfalle are great alternatives.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk or cream to keep it creamy.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a bit of milk or cream to keep the sauce nice and smooth.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, you can freeze Crack Chicken Penne. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

Q5: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A5: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a little bit of cornstarch mixed with water or cook the sauce longer to let it reduce.

Conclusion

This Crack Chicken Penne is creamy, cheesy, and packed with irresistible flavors—everything you could ever want in a pasta dish. It’s quick to make, super satisfying, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting a dinner party, or just treating yourself to something comforting, this dish won’t disappoint. Get ready to dive in—because once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Print