There’s something magical about the aroma of savory spices wafting through the kitchen. This baked crack chicken penne creates a comforting feast that’s taken social media by storm! It’s all about that cheesy, creamy goodness that just melts in your mouth.
Imagine tender chicken, rich cream cheese, and crispy bacon mixing with perfectly baked penne pasta. It’s like a cozy hug in a casserole dish, but ready for your weeknight dinner in no time. With simple pantry staples and minimal fuss, you can whip up this dish quicker than it takes to decide what to make!
Started making this cozy casserole back in 2018, after a long week of recipe testing. My neighbor stopped by, and the smile on her face as she took the first bite? Priceless. The secret lies in letting the cheese get all melty and bubbly for that perfect finish. With years of culinary adventures behind me, I promise this dish will become a staple in your home, just like it has for mine.
This Baked Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy crack chicken pasta bake that layers cheesy comfort and zesty ranch flavors into a crowd-pleasing dish. Perfect as an easy crack chicken penne casserole or a cheesy crack chicken penne bake, it’s an addictive bacon ranch chicken penne that brings warmth and homestyle goodness to your table.
Prepare the penne pasta according to the package directions until just tender, then drain well.
In a large bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and shredded cheddar cheese until silky smooth.
Stir in the shredded chicken, bacon bits, and chopped green onions, seasoning with salt and pepper as you like.
Carefully fold the cooked penne into the mixture, ensuring every piece is coated.
Spread the pasta mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and top with the shredded mozzarella.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese on top bubbles and takes on a golden hue.
Allow the casserole to cool briefly before serving, and sprinkle extra green onions over the dish if you like.
Notes
For a little heat, mix in diced jalapeños or a few drops of hot sauce with the cheese blend. Try swapping cheddar for Colby Jack or pepper jack cheese for a different twist. To lighten this dish, replace some cream cheese with Greek yogurt and toss in steamed broccoli or spinach for extra veggies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Comforting Flavors: This baked crack chicken penne hits all the right notes with creamy cheese, tender chicken, and the crunch of crispy bacon.
Easy to Make: Just a few simple steps will deliver a delightful oven-baked treat that feels gourmet.
Family Favorite: Perfect for a weeknight dinner or your next potluck; everyone will be asking for seconds!
Versatile: Feel free to mix it up with some spices or veggies to suit your crowd.
Key Ingredients & Tools
Pasta: We use 12 oz of penne, which holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
Chicken: 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken keep this dish hearty and satisfying.
Cream Cheese: 8 oz of softened cream cheese adds that luscious, creamy texture.
Ranch Dressing: 1 cup for that signature tangy flavor.
Cheeses: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for depth and flavor, plus ½ cup of mozzarella for that gorgeous golden topping.
Bacon Bits & Green Onions: These are the toppings that give our dish that extra zing!
Tools: A mixing bowl, a pot for boiling pasta, and a 9×13-inch baking dish are all you need!
How It Works: Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Pasta First: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
Mix the Saucy Goodness: In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and cheddar cheese until smooth.
Combine & Season: Add in the shredded chicken, bacon bits, and green onions, stirring until everything is well coated. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper!
Fold in the Pasta: Gently fold the cooked penne into the creamy mixture until every piece is coated.
Transfer & Bake: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and sprinkle mozzarella on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Cool & Serve: Let it cool a tad, garnish with extra green onions, and it’s ready to delight!
Troubleshooting Tips & Variations
For Creamier Results: If it seems too thick, add a splash of milk before baking.
Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give it a kick!
Veggie Boost: Toss in some steamed broccoli or spinach for extra nutrients.
Cheddar Alternative: Swap cheddar for a blend of Colby Jack for a different flavor profile.
Serving & Storage Tips
Serve your baked crack chicken penne warm with a fresh garden salad and garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal. It also pairs wonderfully with steamed green beans or sweet corn!
Storage:
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Just thaw, reheat, and enjoy!
Ingredient
Amount
Penne Pasta
12 oz
Cooked Chicken (shredded)
2 cups
Cream Cheese
8 oz
Ranch Dressing
1 cup
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 cup
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
½ cup
Bacon Bits
½ cup
Green Onions
2, chopped
Salt & Pepper
to taste
Expert Says
Baked crack chicken penne combines protein-rich chicken with pasta for a satisfying meal. The dish benefits from the Maillard reaction during baking, which enhances flavor complexity and creates a rich, appealing texture. Using whole grain penne can also add fiber, aiding digestion and providing longer-lasting energy.
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The Long Road to Baked Crack Chicken Penne
Perfecting this Baked Crack Chicken Penne was a delicious adventure that took several rounds in my kitchen. I still remember the first attempt when I accidentally swapped in a jar of marinara instead of the cream saucean unexpected twist! But after some more trial and error, I finally created a comforting dish bursting with flavor that my family absolutely loves.
FAQs ( Baked Crack Chicken Penne )
What are the key ingredients for Baked Crack Chicken Penne?
This dish features chicken, pasta, ranch dressing, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. You can enhance the flavor with crispy bacon and a few seasonings. These elements come together for a creamy and flavorful meal.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble everything in advance and refrigerate it. Just be sure to cover it tightly. Bake it when you’re ready; it might need a few extra minutes in the oven if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
This meal pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. Simple steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans also complement the rich flavors. Choose sides that balance the creamy nature of the dish.
How do I store leftover Baked Crack Chicken Penne?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of milk can help revive creaminess.
Conclusion
Just picture that golden, bubbling top of your baked crack chicken penne as you pull it from the oven. With effortless prep time and that creamy, cheesy delight awaiting, it’s sure to become a household favorite!
Feeling adventurous? Try adding a sprinkle of paprika for a smoky twist or toss in a handful of spinach for some greens. And if you ever have leftovers, just pop them in the microwave for a quick, comforting meal latertrust me, they’ll be just as delicious!
I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Did you grow up with a dish like this? Share your photos, and don’t forget to save this recipe for your next family gatheringyour loved ones will thank you!
