Crack Chicken Penne is a mouthwatering, creamy pasta dish loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, cheesy sauce that’s hard to resist.

This comforting recipe brings together the bold flavors of ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and savory bacon to create a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

The dish is called “crack chicken” because it’s so addictive — one bite, and you’ll be hooked! Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting guests, Crack Chicken Penne is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This one-pot dish comes together quickly and requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of creamy sauce, chicken, pasta, and bacon is a winning formula that everyone will enjoy.
Versatile: You can customize the recipe by adding veggies or swapping out ingredients to suit your taste.

Comfort Food at Its Best: This dish is rich, cheesy, and indulgent — everything you want in a comforting meal.
Great for Leftovers: Crack Chicken Penne reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep.

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta

2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 packet ranch seasoning mix

1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
2 tbsp cream cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Process

Cook the pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the chicken: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and half of the ranch seasoning mix. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.

Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine, then add cream cheese and the remaining ranch seasoning mix. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.

Add cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing them to melt into the sauce. The sauce should be smooth and velvety.

Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce.

Add bacon: Stir in the crumbled bacon, reserving a little for garnish.

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and the reserved bacon bits. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Crack Chicken Penne!

Variations

Vegetable Additions: Add some veggies to make the dish more balanced. Broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms work well in this recipe.

Spicy Kick: If you love spice, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.

Low-Carb Option: Swap the penne pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.

Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Gouda, or Monterey Jack for a unique twist.

FAQs

Q: Can I make Crack Chicken Penne ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.

Q: Can I use leftover chicken?
A: Yes, you can use cooked, shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time. Add it to the sauce after it’s made.

Q: Can I freeze Crack Chicken Penne?
A: Yes, you can freeze the dish. Place it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Q: What type of pasta works best?
A: Penne is a classic choice, but you can also use rotini, rigatoni, or any short pasta that holds the sauce well.

How to Serve

Crack Chicken Penne is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate your dinner by serving it with:

Garlic Bread: The perfect accompaniment to soak up the creamy sauce.
Green Salad: A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts pair wonderfully with this pasta.