Crack chicken penne is a creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious pasta dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, and al dente penne. This one-pot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving comfort food. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it’s bound to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes and easy cleanup make this recipe a win.
- Loaded with Flavor: Creamy ranch sauce, melty cheese, and savory bacon create an irresistible combination.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Versatile: Customize with veggies or swap the pasta for a low-carb option.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to disappear fast!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Penne pasta
- Chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- Bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Cream cheese
- Ranch seasoning mix
- Chicken broth
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Heavy cream or milk
- Olive oil
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions
Directions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta:
- In the same skillet, add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the penne pasta, cover, and cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally.
- Make the Sauce:
- Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in cream cheese and ranch seasoning until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the cooked chicken and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Stir to combine, coating everything in the creamy sauce.
- Add Cheese:
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is thickened. If needed, add a splash of heavy cream or milk to adjust the consistency.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Veggie Boost: Add spinach, broccoli, or peas for extra nutrition and color.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap penne for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Cheese Swap: Use mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Why is it called “Crack Chicken”?
The name “crack chicken” comes from its addictive combination of ranch, bacon, and cheese, which makes it hard to stop eating!
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works perfectly.
What’s the best type of pasta for this recipe?
Penne is a classic choice, but other short pastas like rigatoni, farfalle, or rotini work well too.
Can I use store-bought ranch dressing instead of seasoning mix?
Ranch seasoning mix is recommended for a concentrated flavor, but a small amount of dressing can be used in a pinch.
How do I keep the sauce from becoming too thick?
Add a splash of milk, cream, or broth if the sauce thickens too much as it cools.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead and reheat it before serving. Just add a bit of liquid to keep the sauce creamy.
What type of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal, but pre-cooked shredded chicken is a convenient alternative.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese, milk, and cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients and use a larger skillet or pot to accommodate the volume.
What can I serve with this dish?
Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables to round out the meal.
Conclusion
Crack chicken penne is a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying pasta dish that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. With its one-pot simplicity, bold flavors, and endless customization options, it’s perfect for any occasion. Try it tonight and see why this dish is so popular—it’s impossible to resist!
Print
Crack Chicken Penne
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crack Chicken Penne combines tender pasta, creamy cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and flavorful ranch-seasoned chicken for a one-pot comfort food meal that’s absolutely irresistible. Perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving something indulgent!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet (1 oz/28 g) ranch seasoning mix
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- 8 oz (225 g) penne pasta (uncooked)
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken pieces with ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the Liquids and Pasta:
- In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
- Stir in the uncooked penne pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Make the Sauce:
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the cream cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, along with the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add the Bacon:
- Stir in the crumbled bacon, reserving a small amount for garnish if desired.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Make It Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicier kick.
- Pasta Options: Substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rotini or farfalle.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.