Crack Chicken Penne

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly flavorful pasta dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, and melty cheese all tossed with penne pasta. This comforting one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

penne pastachicken breastsbaconcream cheesecheddar cheeseranch seasoning mixchicken brothmilkgarlic powderonion powdersaltblack peppergreen onions (optional for garnish)

directions

Cook the penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet or pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, reserving a bit of the bacon grease.

Add diced chicken to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden and fully cooked.

Lower the heat and add cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.

Pour in chicken broth and milk, stirring until well combined.

Add ranch seasoning and mix thoroughly.

Stir in cooked penne pasta, followed by cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.

Mix until the cheese is melted and the pasta is fully coated.

Garnish with chopped green onions before serving if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4-6 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep.

Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra veggies.

Substitute Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.

Try it baked—transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and broil until bubbly.

storage/reheating

Store Crack Chicken Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.You can also freeze it for up to 2 months, though the texture may change slightly.

FAQs

What is “crack chicken”?

“Crack chicken” refers to a flavor combo of ranch, cheese, chicken, and bacon—known for being addictive.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like rotini, fusilli, or rigatoni works well.

Is this dish spicy?

No, but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for heat.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep. Just store and reheat as directed.

What if I don’t have ranch seasoning?

You can make your own with a mix of dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Can I use low-fat ingredients?

Yes, but the sauce may be less creamy and rich.

Do I have to use bacon?

No, but it adds great flavor. Turkey bacon or pancetta are alternatives.

Can I bake it instead of cooking on the stove?

Yes, assemble in a baking dish and bake at 375°F until bubbly.

What cheese melts best in this recipe?

Cheddar melts well and adds sharpness, but feel free to mix in mozzarella or gouda.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and check your ranch seasoning is gluten-free.

Conclusion

Crack Chicken Penne is the ultimate comfort food, marrying creamy, cheesy goodness with the bold flavors of ranch and bacon. It’s quick, hearty, and flexible enough to suit any dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this pasta dish is bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Print