Crack Chicken Penne

Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly flavorful pasta dish loaded with bacon, ranch seasoning, tender chicken, and gooey cheese. It’s a one-pot comfort meal that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or indulgent weekend dinners.

ingredients

this Recipe

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

penne pastabacon (chopped)boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighsranch seasoning creampaprikaonion powdergarlic powdercream cheesecheddar cheese (shredded)chicken brothmilkgreen onions (for garnish, optional)saltblack pepperolive oil

directions

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

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving a bit of bacon grease in the pan.

Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.

Add a bit of olive oil to the bacon grease and cook the seasoned chicken pieces until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same pan, add cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth.

Pour in the chicken broth and milk, whisking to create a creamy sauce.

Stir in ranch seasoning and shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and combined.

Return cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon to the pan. Stir everything together until evenly coated.

Simmer for 2–3 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.

Garnish with chopped green onions before serving if desired.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4–6
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
Swap penne for other pasta types like rotini or rigatoni.
Add steamed broccoli or spinach for a veggie boost.
Top with extra cheese and broil for a baked version.
Make it spicy with crushed red pepper or diced jalapeños.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Avoid microwaving too long to prevent the cheese from separating.
Not ideal for freezing due to the creamy sauce.

FAQs

What is “crack chicken”?
It refers to a mix of chicken, ranch, bacon, cheese, and cream—highly addictive and flavorful.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just add it during the final mixing step to warm it through.

What cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but a mix of Monterey Jack or mozzarella can add creaminess.

Can I use a packet of ranch dressing mix?
Yes, a standard ranch packet (about 1 oz) works great for seasoning.

Is this dish spicy?
Not unless you add heat—it’s creamy, cheesy, and savory.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free penne and check labels on broth and ranch mix.

Conclusion

Crack Chicken Penne is the ultimate comfort food with creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite. Loaded with bacon and ranch flavors, it’s a hearty meal your family will request again and again. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, it’s bound to become a favorite in your dinner rotation.

Print