The Creamiest Crack Chicken Penne Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Simmering with creamy goodness, this crack chicken penne delivers comfort in every delightful bite.

A meal that hugs your taste buds with rich, savory flavors.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among pasta strands, creating a dish that feels like a warm culinary embrace.

Weeknight dinner challenges meet their match with this simple yet irresistible recipe.

Cheese melts into a luscious sauce that makes each forkful incredibly satisfying.

Home cooks adore how quickly this crowd-pleaser comes together without complicated techniques.

Grab a plate and get ready to experience pure deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Sides That Match With Crack Chicken Penne

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio cuts through the rich, creamy sauce with its bright acidity, balancing the dish's heaviness and enhancing the cheesy flavors.
• Complement with Fresh Green Salad: A light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides a tangy contrast to the decadent chicken and bacon, adding freshness and cutting through the richness.
• Match with Craft Beer: A hoppy IPA or smooth amber ale works wonderfully with the bacon and cheese, its carbonation and malty notes perfectly complementing the dish's robust flavors.
• Enhance with Roasted Vegetable Side: Garlic-roasted brussels sprouts or honey-glazed carrots introduce a caramelized element that pairs beautifully with the creamy pasta, adding depth and nutritional balance.

Twists To Try With Crack Chicken Penne

• Spicy Southwest Crack Chicken Penne: Replace ranch seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced green chilies, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Herb Garden Chicken Penne: Incorporate fresh chopped basil, thyme, and rosemary instead of ranch seasoning, use goat cheese instead of cream cheese for a lighter, herbaceous version.
• Mediterranean Fusion Penne: Substitute ranch seasoning with dried oregano and za'atar, replace cheddar with crumbled feta, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Smoky Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken with smoked tofu, use vegetable broth, add roasted bell peppers and spinach, and incorporate smoked paprika for depth of flavor.

Crack Chicken Penne FAQs In One Spot

• What makes this Crack Chicken Penne so addictive?

The combination of ranch seasoning, multiple cheeses, and crispy bacon creates an incredibly rich and flavor-packed dish that’s hard to stop eating. The creamy sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken make it irresistibly delicious.

• Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?

Absolutely! The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can adjust the heat level to your preference. Simply add more flakes for extra kick or skip them entirely for a milder version.

• Is ranch seasoning necessary for this recipe?

While ranch seasoning adds a signature flavor, you can substitute it with a blend of dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder if you don’t have the pre-made mix. The key is to ensure the chicken is well-seasoned.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs both work great. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating in the pasta dish.

Why Crack Chicken Penne Is Rich And Creamy

• Speedy One-Pot Wonder: This crack chicken penne delivers amazing flavor with minimal cleanup, letting you whip up a delicious meal in just 25 minutes without creating a mountain of dishes.
• Creamy Flavor Explosion: The combination of ranch seasoning, multiple cheeses, and crispy bacon creates an incredibly rich and indulgent taste that melts in your mouth with every single bite.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love this comfort food classic that packs protein, satisfies hunger, and brings everyone together around the dinner table with its cheesy, hearty goodness.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra spices to make this recipe uniquely yours, making it perfect for picky eaters or those wanting to experiment with different flavor profiles.

Everything Needed For Crack Chicken Penne

• Chicken Breast: Tender protein that forms the main body of the dish, best when fresh and boneless.
• Bacon: Crispy, salty meat that adds rich flavor and crunchy texture to the recipe.

• Cream Cheese: Creamy ingredient that helps create a smooth, rich sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheeses that provide depth and stringy texture to the dish.
• Milk: Liquid that helps create a creamy consistency and balances the sauce.

• Penne Pasta: Hearty pasta shape that holds sauce well, perfect for creamy dishes.
• Ranch Seasoning: Flavor-packed mix that adds zesty southwestern taste to the chicken.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Dry seasonings that enhance overall flavor profile.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spice for those who enjoy a little heat.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that helps cook the pasta and adds depth.

• Parsley, Green Onions: Fresh herbs for garnish and bright flavor.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat for sautéing chicken.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance natural flavors.

How To Cook Crack Chicken Penne In One Pan

Step 1: Sizzle and Season Chicken

Brown chicken pieces in a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Sprinkle ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper generously. Cook until the exterior turns golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Create Liquid Magic

• Chicken broth
• Milk
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Add uncooked penne pasta and stir. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta becomes perfectly tender, around 10-12 minutes.

Step 3: Cheese Transformation

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Stir until the cheeses melt completely, creating a luscious, creamy coating.

Step 4: Bacon Bliss

Fold in crispy crumbled bacon, saving a small portion for a final garnish. The bacon adds a salty, crunchy dimension to the dish.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Scatter chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve piping hot and watch everyone dive into this irresistible comfort meal.

Tips To Make Crack Chicken Penne Better

• Bacon Brilliance: Crisp the bacon beforehand to enhance its flavor and texture, ensuring maximum crunchiness in every bite.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Allow cheese to melt slowly over low heat, stirring continuously to prevent burning and create a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes based on your heat preference, adding gradually to customize the dish's spiciness.
• Pasta Perfection Tip: Stir pasta frequently while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking throughout the skillet.
• Dairy-Free Swap: Replace dairy ingredients with coconut milk, vegan cheese, and plant-based cream cheese for a lactose-free alternative.

How To Store Crack Chicken Penne And Keep It Creamy

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled crack chicken penne to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Microwave Reheating: Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a tablespoon of milk or chicken broth to restore moisture, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Stovetop Reheating: Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to prevent sticking and help recreate the creamy texture. Stir gently and consistently until heated through.
• Freezing Option: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the microwave or stovetop method.

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy “crack chicken penne” delivers pure comfort with its irresistible blend of tender pasta, savory chicken, and rich cheese sauce. Hearty flavors meld together, promising a satisfying meal that keeps families coming back for more deliciousness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled

Dairy and Cheese:

• 4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 packet (1 ounce/28 g) ranch seasoning mix
• 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
• 8 ounces (225 g) penne pasta (uncooked)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the protein by searing seasoned chicken pieces in a hot skillet with olive oil until they develop a golden-brown exterior and reach full doneness. Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate.
2. In the same skillet, combine chicken broth, milk, and aromatic powders to create a flavorful liquid base. Introduce uncooked penne pasta and allow the mixture to reach a boil before reducing heat and simmering, covered, until pasta becomes tender and absorbs the liquid.
3. Transform the simmered pasta into a luxurious sauce by incorporating cream cheese, stirring until it melts completely and creates a smooth, velvety texture. Reintroduce the cooked chicken to the skillet.
4. Elevate the dish’s richness by melting cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the mixture, creating a decadent and creamy coating that envelops the pasta and chicken.
5. Enhance the flavor profile by folding in crispy, crumbled bacon, distributing it evenly throughout the dish for a salty, crunchy element.
6. Finish the preparation by garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions, which will add a bright, fresh note to the rich and creamy pasta. Serve immediately while the dish is piping hot.

Notes

• Perfectly crisp chicken by ensuring the skillet is hot before adding the meat, creating a golden-brown exterior that locks in juicy flavor.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and ranch seasoning, making the dish more heart-healthy without compromising taste.
• Gluten-free option works brilliantly by substituting regular penne with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour.
• Vegetarian transformation possible by replacing chicken with plant-based protein like roasted cauliflower or tofu, maintaining the creamy, cheesy essence of the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg