Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
If you’re searching for a comforting pasta dish that truly delivers on flavor and satisfaction, look no further than this incredible Crack Chicken Penne. This recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken with crispy bacon and a creamy, cheesy sauce infused with ranch seasoning, all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. The blend of textures and flavors makes every bite absolutely irresistible, earning this dish a beloved spot in many kitchens. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, Crack Chicken Penne is that crave-worthy meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Crack Chicken Penne recipe plays a vital role, from the smooth cream cheese adding richness to the crispy bacon bringing that salty crunch. These simple components come together to create a stunning balance of taste, texture, and color.
- 12 oz penne pasta: Provides the perfect shape to hold all that creamy sauce and tender chicken.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy, even cooking and an ideal protein base.
- 6 slices bacon, chopped: Cook until crispy to add irresistible salty crunch and smoky depth.
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened: Creates the silky, rich sauce that coats every piece of pasta beautifully.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds savory liquid to blend the sauce without overpowering it.
- 1 oz ranch seasoning mix: Infuses that classic tangy, herbal ranch flavor essential to the dish’s character.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the sauce and later sprinkled on top for inviting cheesiness.
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped: Freshly chopped to garnish and add a pop of color and mild bite.
- Salt: To taste, enhances every ingredient without taking center stage.
- Pepper: To taste, provides subtle warmth and balances the creaminess.
- Olive oil: For cooking the chicken and adding a hint of fruity depth.
How to Make Crack Chicken Penne
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente. This ensures your pasta has the right firmness to hold the sauce without becoming mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it warm for later.
Step 2: Crisp up the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy and browned. This step is essential because bacon brings a deep smoky flavor and satisfying crunch to the dish. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, leaving about one tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet to add richness to your chicken.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Season generously with salt and pepper, then cook the chicken until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. The bacon grease adds a beautiful flavor base that infuses the chicken as it cooks.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat slightly and stir in the softened cream cheese, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning mix. Mix everything together until the cream cheese melts fully and the sauce turns smooth and creamy. This mixture binds the dish with its luscious texture and signature tangy ranch notes.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Bacon, and Cheese
Next, add the cooked penne pasta back into the skillet. Toss gently to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated in the velvety sauce. Then fold in the crispy bacon pieces and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Allow the cheese to melt through for even more lusciousness and flavor harmony.
Step 6: Finish with Toppings and Serve
Dish out the Crack Chicken Penne onto plates or bowls, then sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top along with chopped green onions. The green onions add a fresh, mild bite that cuts through the richness, while the extra cheese invites every forkful to be even more indulgent.
How to Serve Crack Chicken Penne
Garnishes
The chopped green onions are a fantastic fresh garnish, adding color and a subtle oniony crispness that complements the creamy sauce. For a little extra flair and crunch, consider sprinkling a few toasted breadcrumbs or a dusting of smoked paprika for warmth.
Side Dishes
Crack Chicken Penne shines as a hearty main, so lighter sides pair best. Try a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to balance the richness. Garlic bread is also a crowd-pleaser and feels right at home alongside this dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style meal, serve Crack Chicken Penne straight from the skillet with extra cheese and garnishes on the side so everyone can customize their plates. You can also spoon it into individual casserole dishes and bake briefly with extra cheese on top for a bubbly, golden crust that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crack Chicken Penne keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to maintain the creamy texture without becoming soggy.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, although cream-based sauces sometimes change texture after thawing. For best results, freeze portions without the green onions and fresh cheese topping. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh garnishes after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat Crack Chicken Penne gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. Adding a splash of chicken broth or milk can help maintain the creamy consistency as it warms up without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for Crack Chicken Penne?
Absolutely! While penne is great for holding the creamy sauce, you can substitute rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle for a slightly different texture and look. Just adjust cooking time as needed.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream cheese and cheddar?
Yes, you can use dairy-free cream cheese and cheddar-style shreds to keep the dish creamy without dairy. Be mindful of brand variations in melting ability and flavor.
Can I prepare this dish with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Chicken thighs work wonderfully here, offering extra juiciness and flavor. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and adjust cooking times if needed until they’re cooked through.
How spicy is the Crack Chicken Penne?
This recipe isn’t inherently spicy but is packed with savory, tangy flavors. If you like a little heat, adding red pepper flakes when cooking the chicken is a great way to customize the spice level.
What’s the best way to make sure the chicken stays tender?
Cooking the chicken pieces evenly over medium heat without overcrowding the pan helps keep them juicy and tender. Also, cutting them into similar sizes ensures everything cooks at the same rate.
Final Thoughts
Crack Chicken Penne is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate — creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying. It’s simple enough for a weeknight yet special enough for guests, and I promise once you try it, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to comfort meals. Gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and enjoy the delicious magic that is Crack Chicken Penne!
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Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch-infused cheese sauce. Perfectly cooked penne pasta is tossed in a luscious blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and savory seasonings, making it a comforting meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Chicken and Bacon
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- Olive oil for cooking
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 oz ranch seasoning mix (about 1 packet)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Garnish
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook following the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, then transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet with the bacon grease. Season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the softened cream cheese, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning mix. Mix well until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. Then fold in the crispy bacon and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is heated through and well combined.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide the Crack Chicken Penne into serving dishes. Top each with the remaining cheddar cheese and sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh, savory finish.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly or add an extra 1/4 cup of cream cheese.
- Substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini if preferred.
- Use smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to add a subtle smoky or spicy twist to the chicken seasoning.
- Make sure to drain the pasta well to prevent excess water from thinning the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: crack chicken penne, creamy chicken pasta, bacon pasta, ranch chicken pasta, easy dinner recipes
