Introduction

Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish loaded with tender chicken and crispy bacon. It’s a satisfying weeknight dinner that combines comforting flavors with simple ingredients for a delicious meal everyone will love.

Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

8 ounces penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 slices thick-cut bacon
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 packet ranch seasoning
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, reserving the bacon fat in the skillet.
Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and season them with the ranch seasoning. Brown the chicken on both sides until cooked through.
Step 3: Stir the penne pasta and chicken broth into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the pasta is al dente.
Step 4: Add the cream cheese to the skillet, stirring constantly until it melts and forms a creamy sauce.
Step 5: Fold in the cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing well until everything is combined. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a minced garlic clove when cooking the chicken, or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Swap penne for rotini or rigatoni to hold the creamy sauce differently.
Use turkey bacon or omit bacon for a lighter version.
Fresh herbs like chives or basil can be added alongside parsley for a fresh finish.

Storage

Store leftover Crack Chicken Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add a bit more flavor and moisture. Adjust cooking time until the thighs are cooked through.

Is ranch seasoning necessary?

Ranch seasoning adds the signature flavor, but you can substitute with a blend of dried herbs like parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of dill if preferred.

Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 92 reviews

Indulge in the creamy, flavorful comfort of Crack Chicken Penne—a delightful one-pan dish combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked penne pasta, all seasoned with a zesty ranch blend. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner that feels both special and satisfying.

Author: Dana
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

8 ounces penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 slices thick-cut bacon
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 packet ranch seasoning
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the thick-cut bacon slices until crispy. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on paper towels to drain, reserving the bacon fat in the skillet for flavoring the chicken.
Brown the Chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Sprinkle the packet of ranch seasoning evenly over the chicken. Cook the chicken breasts over medium heat, browning them on both sides until they’re golden and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness.
Simmer Pasta and Broth: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta along with the low-sodium chicken broth into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensuring the pasta absorbs the flavorful broth—this should take about 10-12 minutes.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, then add the cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted completely, creating a smooth and rich creamy sauce that binds all the ingredients together.
Mix in Bacon and Cheese: Crumble the cooked bacon into bite-sized pieces and fold it into the skillet along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheddar melts and everything is evenly combined, giving the dish a satisfying cheesy texture.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the finished dish for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while hot and creamy for the best taste experience.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add garlic powder or onion powder when seasoning the chicken.
Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content of the dish.
Substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli if preferred.
Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
To make it gluten-free, substitute the penne with gluten-free pasta.

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, crack chicken penne, ranch chicken recipe, easy one-pan dinner, bacon and cheese pasta