Crack Chicken Penne

Creamy, savory, and absolutely irresistible – Crack Chicken Penne combines tender pasta with a rich blend of ranch-seasoned cream cheese, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar that creates an undeniably addictive flavor profile. This comforting pasta dish gets its playful “crack” nickname because it’s so good, you simply can’t stop eating it! The combination of tangy ranch, smoky bacon, and creamy cheese sauce coating each penne noodle creates a meal that both kids and adults will request again and again. You’ll learn how to create this crowd-pleasing dish with simple ingredients and foolproof techniques that guarantee success every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crack Chicken Penne recipe will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation for so many good reasons. First, the texture contrasts are absolutely divine – al dente penne pasta provides the perfect canvas for the velvety cream cheese sauce, while crispy bacon bits add satisfying crunch in every bite. The combination of ranch seasoning and sharp cheddar creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting.

What really sets this cheesy chicken pasta dish apart is its versatility and simplicity. You can prepare it in just one pot, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal. The entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need comfort food fast.

Parents especially appreciate that this Crack Chicken Penne is endlessly customizable – add extra vegetables to boost nutrition or adjust the spice level to suit everyone’s preferences. The hearty combination of protein from chicken and richness from cream cheese and bacon ensures this meal will satisfy even the biggest appetites in your household.

Ingredients

For this irresistible Crack Chicken Penne, you’ll need:

• 16 oz (454g) penne pasta
• 2 lbs (907g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 oz (227g) cream cheese, softened (use full-fat for the creamiest texture)
• 1 lb (454g) bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups (8 oz/227g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) ranch seasoning mix (store-bought packet or homemade)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 cup (150g) green onions, thinly sliced (reserve some for garnish)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

The cream cheese acts as the base for the addictively creamy sauce, while the ranch seasoning provides that signature tangy flavor that makes crack chicken pasta dishes so popular. Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese rather than pre-packaged for the smoothest melting quality.

Pro Tips

Perfect Your Pasta Texture: For the ideal Crack Chicken Penne, cook the pasta 1-2 minutes less than the package directions state. This slightly firmer texture (true al dente) ensures the pasta won’t become mushy when it continues cooking in the sauce. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining – this starchy liquid is magical for bringing a sauce together if it needs thinning.

Cream Cheese Technique: To achieve the silkiest sauce possible, never add cold cream cheese directly to the hot mixture. Instead, cube the cream cheese and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. If you’re short on time, microwave it for 20-30 seconds until softened but not melted. Add it gradually to the sauce, stirring constantly, to prevent any lumps from forming.

Bacon Brilliance: For maximum flavor impact in your Crack Chicken Penne, cook the bacon first and use the rendered bacon fat to sauté your chicken instead of olive oil. This infuses every element with smoky bacon flavor. Cook the bacon until it’s extra crispy, as it will soften slightly when mixed with the creamy sauce. Save a generous portion for garnishing at the end for that perfect textural contrast.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Bacon
Begin by bringing a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add your penne pasta and cook according to package directions, but aim for al dente (typically 1-2 minutes less than directed). While the pasta cooks, lay bacon strips in a cold large skillet, then turn to medium heat. The cold-start method helps render fat evenly and prevents burning. Cook until crispy, about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to paper towels, cool slightly, then crumble into pieces. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In the same skillet with the bacon fat, increase heat to medium-high. Add chicken cubes and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and just cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. The chicken should register 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. Add minced garlic during the last minute of cooking and stir until fragrant. Transfer the chicken mixture to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Sauce
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom (these contain amazing flavor!). Add softened cream cheese and ranch seasoning, whisking constantly until the cream cheese melts completely and the mixture is smooth. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while continuing to stir. Simmer gently until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained penne pasta and most of the crumbled bacon (reserve some for garnish). Gently fold everything together until well combined and the pasta is completely coated. Sprinkle in 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese and most of the green onions, stirring until the cheese melts. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Top your finished Crack Chicken Penne with the remaining cheddar cheese and cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes to melt. Garnish with the reserved bacon crumbles and remaining green onions before serving. This dish is best enjoyed immediately while hot and creamy!

Variations

Buffalo Crack Chicken Penne: Transform this dish with a spicy kick by adding 1/3 cup of buffalo sauce to the cream cheese mixture. The tangy heat pairs perfectly with the ranch and cream cheese base, creating a buffalo chicken pasta that’s irresistible. Top with crumbled blue cheese instead of some of the cheddar for an authentic buffalo chicken experience.

Vegetable-Loaded Version: For a more nutritious take on Crack Chicken Penne, incorporate 2 cups of vegetables like sautéed spinach, broccoli florets, or diced bell peppers. Add the vegetables during the final combining step to maintain their texture and color. This variation adds beautiful pops of color, essential nutrients, and additional texture to the creamy pasta dish.

Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Replace the penne with cooked cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles for a low-carb version that still delivers all the creamy, cheesy goodness. You might need to reduce the liquid in the sauce slightly, as these vegetables release water during cooking. This variation makes Crack Chicken accessible to those following ketogenic or low-carb dietary plans while preserving the addictive flavor profile.

Storage and Serving

This Crack Chicken Penne will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. Alternatively, microwave individual portions at 70% power, stirring halfway through.

For an impressive presentation, serve this creamy pasta dish in a large, shallow bowl garnished with extra bacon crumbles, fresh green onions, and a light sprinkle of ranch seasoning. Pair it with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.

This pasta also makes excellent leftovers transformed into a new meal. Try baking it with additional cheese on top for a Crack Chicken Penne casserole, or thin leftover portions with a bit of chicken broth to create a hearty soup. For an extra special touch, serve it with garlic bread or breadsticks for sopping up every last bit of the addictive sauce.

FAQs

Can I make Crack Chicken Penne ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish up to 24 hours ahead. Cook the pasta very al dente (even firmer than usual), as it will continue to absorb sauce while stored. When ready to serve, reheat gently with a splash of cream to refresh the sauce.

What can I substitute for ranch seasoning?
If you don’t have ranch seasoning, make your own by combining 1 tablespoon each of dried parsley and dill, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried chives, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

Can I use rotisserie chicken to save time?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this Crack Chicken Penne recipe and is a great time-saver. Add it when you would return the cooked chicken to the sauce.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
Yes, you can use Neufchâtel cheese (⅓ less fat than cream cheese), turkey bacon, and half-and-half instead of heavy cream. The dish will be slightly less rich but still delicious.

Why is my sauce grainy or separated?
This typically happens when heat is too high or cheese is added too quickly. To fix a broken sauce, remove from heat and whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of cream cheese until smooth.

Conclusion

This Crack Chicken Penne is comfort food at its finest — creamy, indulgent, and packed with savory flavors that make every bite absolutely irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with eager anticipation and leaves them completely satisfied. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, entertaining friends, or simply treating yourself to something special, this pasta delivers that perfect balance of familiar comfort and exciting flavor that keeps you coming back for “just one more bite.” Make this addictive pasta dish once, and you’ll understand exactly why it earned its playful name!

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