Irresistible Crack Chicken Penne Recipe That Everyone Loves

Craving a comforting weeknight crack chicken penne that promises to become your new favorite meal?

Pasta lovers will adore this creamy, cheesy delight packed with tender chicken and bold flavors.

Melted cream cheese and ranch seasoning create a magical sauce that coats every single noodle perfectly.

Simple ingredients come together in less than 30 minutes, making this dish a lifesaver for busy households.

Crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch that takes this recipe from good to absolutely irresistible.

Minimal prep work means you can have a restaurant-quality dinner on the table faster than ordering takeout.

You’ll want to bookmark this crowd-pleasing recipe that guarantees clean plates and happy smiles around the dinner table.

Flavor Variations for Crack Chicken Penne

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Penne: Replace ranch seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced jalapeños, and top with pepper jack cheese for a kick.
• Mediterranean Chicken Penne: Swap ranch for Italian herbs, use feta cheese instead of cheddar, and add sun-dried tomatoes and olives.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Penne: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, nutritional yeast in place of cheese, and turkey bacon for a lighter version.
• Vegetarian Protein Penne: Substitute chicken with roasted cauliflower or chickpeas, use vegetable broth, and add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Crack Chicken Penne

• Comfort Food Family Feast: Gather loved ones around the table and enjoy this hearty pasta dish that brings everyone together with its creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Meal Prep Magic: Portion this crack chicken penne into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches during the week, keeping meals delicious and convenient.
• Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Serve this rich, flavorful pasta as a main dish during movie or game nights, guaranteed to satisfy hungry friends and family with its irresistible blend of chicken, bacon, and cheesy sauce.
• Potluck Party Star: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings, knowing it'll be the first to disappear and earn you serious cooking kudos from fellow food lovers.

Storage Guidelines for Crack Chicken Penne

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Place the cooled crack chicken penne in shallow containers to help it cool faster and prevent bacterial growth.
• Avoid leaving the dish at room temperature for more than 2 hours to maintain food safety.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this dish creamy?

The combination of heavy cream, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar creates the rich, velvety texture that makes crack chicken penne so irresistible.

• Is this recipe spicy?

This crack chicken penne isn’t inherently spicy. It has a savory, tangy flavor from ranch seasoning and creamy cheese, but you can add red pepper flakes if you want heat.

• Can I use different pasta shapes?

Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute rotini, bowtie, or shells. The key is choosing a pasta shape that holds the creamy sauce well.

• How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

Melt cheese slowly over medium-low heat and stir constantly. Adding cream cheese and cheddar gradually helps create a smooth, silky sauce without separation.

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

• Savor Family-Friendly Comfort: This crack chicken penne delivers mouthwatering flavors that everyone from kids to adults will absolutely love, making mealtime a delightful shared experience.
• Master Quick Cooking: Requiring minimal kitchen skills, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, satisfying dish that comes together faster than ordering takeout.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible preparation allows you to swap ingredients or add personal twists like extra cheese, different meats, or vegetables without compromising the delicious core recipe.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for potlucks, game nights, or casual dinners, this dish guarantees smiles and second helpings from guests who crave rich, indulgent comfort food.

Ingredients for Crack Chicken Penne

• Chicken: Cubed white meat that provides the primary protein base for the recipe.
• Bacon: Crispy, savory meat that adds a rich, smoky flavor and crunchy texture.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth and luxurious sauce base.
• Cream Cheese: Adds creamy thickness and rich tangy flavor to the sauce.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Contributes sharp, melty cheesy goodness to the dish.

• Penne Pasta: Classic tube-shaped pasta that holds sauce beautifully.
• Ranch Seasoning: Provides a zesty and herbal flavor profile to the entire dish.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds depth and aromatic background notes.

• Butter: Helps create a smooth cooking base and adds richness.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances overall moisture and provides additional savory flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the dish's taste.

• Green Onions: Provides fresh, mild onion flavor and bright color contrast.

How to Cook Crack Chicken Penne

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water following package directions. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside while preparing the remaining ingredients.

Step 2: Sizzle Chicken

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

• Ranch seasoning mix
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to blend together smoothly.

Step 4: Melt Cheesy Goodness

• Cream cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Stir continuously until the cheeses completely melt and create a rich, velvety sauce.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Fold the cooked pasta into the creamy chicken mixture. Sprinkle crumbled bacon throughout and mix until everything is evenly coated and heated through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat. Top with freshly chopped green onions for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Serve immediately while the dish is warm and creamy.

Tips to Master Crack Chicken Penne

• Use freshly cooked bacon for the best crispy texture and maximum flavor impact.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk to reduce calories without losing richness.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently to prevent sauce separation.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or broccoli for increased nutrition and color contrast.
• Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and customize the dish's seasoning to your preference.

Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delectable crack chicken penne brings zesty comfort to dinner tables nationwide. Rich parmesan-ranch flavors blend seamlessly with tender chicken, creating a meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast (cubed)
• 1/2 cup (120 grams) crumbled cooked bacon

Pasta and Dairy:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) cream cheese (softened)
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 packet (28 grams) ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 green onions (chopped)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Boil penne pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter, and add chicken cubes seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Sauté chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes.
4. Pour ranch seasoning, chicken broth, and heavy cream into the skillet, reducing heat to medium-low and allowing mixture to simmer gently.
5. Incorporate cream cheese and cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until sauce becomes smooth and fully integrated.
6. Fold cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated.
7. Sprinkle crumbled bacon throughout the dish, mixing gently to distribute evenly.
8. Remove skillet from heat, garnish with freshly chopped green onions for added brightness and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Choose high-quality penne with ridged surfaces to help sauce cling better, creating more flavorful bites.
• Ensure chicken is cut into uniform cubes for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature before adding to prevent lumpy sauce and promote smooth melting.
• Crisp bacon separately to maintain its crunchy texture, preventing sogginess when mixed into the creamy pasta.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 610 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg