Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

There's something undeniably comforting about a bowl of Crack Chicken Penne—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. With tender pasta coated in a rich, bacon-infused sauce and juicy shredded chicken, every bite is pure indulgence. The best part? This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying on the table fast.

I first discovered this recipe when searching for an easy dinner that my whole family would devour. One bite, and we were hooked! Now, it’s a regular in our meal rotation, and I love how simple it is to make while still tasting like something from a restaurant.

Why You'll Love This Crack Chicken Penne

Get ready to fall in love with this creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible dish. Crack Chicken Penne isn't just delicious—it's a total game-changer for quick and easy meals.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a single skillet, you can have dinner ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for hectic evenings.

It’s also super creamy and flavorful. The combination of cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and cheddar cheese creates a velvety sauce with a savory, tangy kick. Add crispy bacon, and it’s next-level delicious!

Budget-friendly and family-approved, this dish is made with simple, affordable ingredients that stretch to feed a crowd. Plus, you can easily customize it with different proteins, cheeses, or pasta shapes based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Crack Chicken Penne lies in its simple, well-balanced ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building the creamy, savory flavors that make this dish so irresistible.

Penne Pasta is the perfect base for this dish. Its ridges and tubular shape hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring that every bite is full of flavor. You can also use rotini or rigatoni if you prefer.

Chicken provides the heartiness that makes this a satisfying meal. You can use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook and shred boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a homemade touch.

Cream Cheese is what makes the sauce extra creamy and rich. It melts into the dish, creating a velvety texture that coats the pasta perfectly. Full-fat cream cheese works best for maximum flavor.

Ranch Seasoning is the secret to that addictive, crave-worthy taste. It adds a savory, herby depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and smoky bacon.

Bacon brings a crispy, salty crunch that balances out the richness of the sauce. Cooking the bacon until it’s nice and crispy ensures the best texture and flavor in every bite.

A large skillet or deep pan is recommended to cook everything together seamlessly without making a mess.

How To Make This Crack Chicken Penne

Making this dish is incredibly simple, and it all comes together in one skillet for easy cleanup. Follow these steps for a foolproof, flavor-packed meal.

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining—it helps loosen the sauce later if needed.

While the pasta cooks, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove it from the pan and set aside, leaving a bit of the bacon grease in the skillet for extra flavor.

Next, sauté the chicken in the same skillet, seasoning it lightly with salt and pepper. If you're using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, you can skip this step and move straight to making the sauce.

To make the sauce, melt the cream cheese into the skillet over low heat. Stir in the ranch seasoning and a splash of reserved pasta water, mixing until smooth and creamy.

Add the drained pasta and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until everything is coated in the rich sauce. If needed, add a little more pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Finally, crumble the bacon and mix it in, saving a little for garnish. Serve hot with an extra sprinkle of cheese and fresh parsley for a pop of color. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers reheat beautifully!

Storage Options

This dish is just as delicious the next day, making it a great meal prep option. Here’s how to store it properly:

For short-term storage, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to absorb the sauce, so add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.

To freeze, transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture.

For reheating, warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring in a bit of milk or cream to bring back the creamy consistency. A microwave also works—just heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

Variations and Substitutions

The best thing about Crack Chicken Penne is how adaptable it is! Here are a few fun ways to change things up:

Swap the chicken for cooked ground turkey, shredded pork, or even tofu for a different protein option. It’s a great way to use up leftovers.

Experiment with different cheeses to tweak the flavor. Sharp cheddar is classic, but a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan makes for an extra cheesy, melty dish.

For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese. It still adds creaminess but cuts down on the richness.

Spice things up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a little kick.

Make it veggie-packed by stirring in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers. They add texture, color, and extra nutrients.

No matter how you customize it, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Try your own spin on it, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

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