There’s nothing quite like the aroma of creamy cheese and crispy bacon wafting through the kitchen on a chilly evening. This Crack Chicken Penne is a hug in a bowlrich, comforting, and just downright addictive. It’s no wonder this dish has become a favorite among home cooks everywhere!
Picture tender penne pasta tangled with juicy chicken, all enveloped in a dreamy ranch sauce. It’s like your go-to pasta dish, but with a secret twist of smoky bacon and cheddar. Super simple to whip up, and if you keep some pantry staples on hand, it’s practically a no-brainer for busy nights!
I started making this dish last fall when my busy schedule needed a little more comfort. The first time I served it, my husband couldn’t stop smiling. The secret? Let the sauce simmer just a touch longer for the flavors to dance together. With over a decade of recipe testing under my belt, this one shines bright as a family favorite!
Yesica Andrews
Crack Chicken Penne Recipe: Irresistibly Creamy Pasta
This crack chicken penne is a luscious and creamy pasta dish loaded with crispy bacon, tender chicken, and plenty of cheddar cheese. Enjoy this creamy crack chicken penne as a comforting, all-in-one meal that’s perfect for any dinner occasion. Crack chicken penne pasta combines the delicious flavors of ranch seasoning, cheesy goodness, and savory bacon for a truly irresistible dish. Related keywords for Pinterest in the USA, in one line separated by commas: crack chicken penne, crack chicken penne pasta, creamy crack chicken penne, easy crack chicken penne recipe, baked crack chicken penne, keto crack chicken penne, crockpot crack chicken penne, cheesy bacon ranch penne, one pot crack chicken pasta, million dollar crack chicken penne naturally
1 pound chicken breast boneless and skinless, cut into small bite size pieces
1 ounce ranch seasoning (1 packet or 2 tbsp)
8 ounces penne uncooked, or pasta of your choice
3½ cups chicken broth low sodium or no salt added
4 ounces cream cheese I used Philadelphia
2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
1 tablespoon parsley chopped
Method
Crisp the bacon in a large Dutch oven, then take it out and drain most of the fat, leaving about one tablespoon behind. Chop the cooked bacon into small pieces.
Add the chicken to the same pot and cook over medium-high heat for around 3 minutes until the outside begins to brown but the inside remains undercooked. Mix in the ranch seasoning thoroughly coating the chicken pieces.
Pour in the penne and chicken broth, giving it a good stir before bringing the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let the pasta cook for 15 to 20 minutes until it reaches your desired tenderness, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
Once the pasta is ready with some liquid still in the pot, stir in the cream cheese until it dissolves and creates a creamy sauce.
Return the bacon to the pot and add one and a half cups of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring to melt the cheese completely and combine all ingredients evenly.
Scatter the remaining half cup of cheddar over the top and cover the pot again. Let it cook off heat for about 30 seconds until the cheese melts fully, or alternatively, place the pot under the broiler for 5 minutes to achieve a bubbly, golden cheese topping.
Finish by sprinkling chopped parsley on top and serve immediately.
Notes
For Instant Pot: Cook bacon sauté mode until browned, remove. Sauté chicken 3 minutes, add ranch, penne, and about 2 to 2½ cups broth. Cook on Poultry setting for 5 minutes, natural release 10 minutes, then stir in cream cheese, bacon, and cheddar cheese.
For Slow Cooker: Fry bacon, then add chicken, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and 2 to 2½ cups broth to slow cooker. Cook low 6-8 hours or high 4 hours. Add penne 30 minutes before done, then stir in bacon and cheese before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crack Chicken Penne is not just another pasta dish; it’s a cozy favorite that checks all the boxes for a delightful family meal. Here’s why it will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation:
Comforting Flavors: The combination of bacon, ranch, and cheddar makes every bite feel like a warm hug.
One-Pot Wonder: Easy cleanup? Yes, please! All you need is one pot for this creamy, cheesy delight.
Quick to Prepare: With a total cook time of just 40 minutes, you can whip this up on a busy weeknight.
Kid-Approved: Whether you have picky eaters or not, this dish always gets rave reviews from everyone at the table!
Key Ingredients & Tools
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this beautiful Crack Chicken Penne to life:
Bacon: Thick-cut, for that irresistible crunch and smoky flavor.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless breast cut into bite-sized pieces for easy cooking.
Penne Pasta: You can also use other pasta shapes if that’s what you have on hand!
Ranch Seasoning: Packaged or homemadeeither way, it’s the secret to flavor town.
Cream Cheese & Cheddar: For that creamy, cheesy goodness that will have you coming back for more!
Tools: A large Dutch oven or any sturdy pot will do just fine.
How It Works: Step-by-Step Instructions
Start off by cooking the bacon in your pot until crispy. This step fills your kitchen with that cozy bacon aroma!
Remove the bacon (don’t forget to chop it into bits!) and leave about 1 tablespoon of the fat in the pot.
Add the chicken to the pot and stir until it’s slightly browned; it’s okay if it’s still a bit pink inside.
Sprinkle in the ranch seasoning and give it a good stir to coat those chicken pieces nicely.
Toss in the uncooked penne and pour in the chicken broth, bringing it all to a boil.
Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally!
After that, add in the cream cheese and most of the cheddar cheese, stirring until it’s all melty and creamy.
Top with the remaining cheddar, cover with the lid, and let the heat do its magic for just 30 seconds.
For an extra bubbly finish, you can pop the pot under the broiler for about 5 minutes!
Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley and serve warmdon’t forget the smiles!
If your pasta seems sticky, just give it a gentle stir during cooking or add a splash more broth to loosen things up.
For a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes after adding the cream cheese.
If you end up with leftover sauce, don’t be shy! It’s delicious on extra veggies or to dip crusty bread in later.
Serving & Storage Tips
Making Crack Chicken Penne is just the beginning; here’s how to serve and store this delicious dish:
Serving: Serve it hot, garnished with parsley or additional cheese for a restaurant-like vibe.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Gently reheat in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if necessary to bring it back to its creamy glory.
Storage Tips
Duration
Notes
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days
Use an airtight container for best freshness.
Freezer
Up to 2 months
Freeze in portions, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Expert Says
The combination of creamy textures and savory flavors in CRACK CHICKEN PENNE creates a satisfying dish that not only delights the palate but also provides a balanced source of carbohydrates and protein. Using whole grain pasta can enhance the fiber content, making it a nourishing option for a hearty meal.
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The Quest for the Ultimate Crack Chicken Penne
This Crack Chicken Penne recipe took a few rounds to nail down, with one mishap involving a too-salty broth that we all laughed about. Each attempt brought me closer to that creamy, savory bliss I envisioned, ensuring it would be a family favorite for years to come.
FAQs ( Crack Chicken Penne )
What is Crack Chicken Penne?
This dish combines creamy cheese, savory bacon, and ranch flavors with tender penne pasta. It’s a comforting meal that perfectly blends the renowned flavor profiles of crack chicken with a hearty pasta, making it a favorite among pasta lovers.
How long does it take to make Crack Chicken Penne?
Preparation usually takes about 15 minutes, with cooking time around 20-30 minutes, depending on your method. If using a slow cooker, it might take 4-6 hours on low. In total, you can enjoy this meal in about an hour or less!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This meal can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
What variations can I make to this meal?
You can easily customize this dish by adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition. For a spicier twist, incorporate jalapeños or hot sauce. Alternatively, swap penne for another pasta type to suit your preference.
Conclusion
This Crack Chicken Penne is a true delight, and you’ll love how easy it is to prepare! In just about 40 minutes, you’ll transform simple ingredients into a creamy, mouthwatering meal that wraps you in comfort.
Feeling adventurous? Try swapping in Italian seasoning for a twist, or add in some sautéed veggies for extra flair. If you have leftovers (which is rare!), they’ll keep in the fridge for up to three daysjust add a splash of broth when reheating for that creamy texture! A trick I learned from my aunt’s kitchen.
I can’t wait to hear how your family loves this cozy dish! Did you grow up with a comfort pasta like this? Please share your thoughts or photos! And don’t forget: saving this recipe means you can enjoy it anytimeperfect for cozy nights in!
