Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

There's nothing quite like the creamy, cheesy goodness of Crack Chicken Penne to bring comfort to your dinner table. This indulgent dish combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious ranch-infused cheese sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. Every bite is packed with flavor, making it a meal your whole family will request again and again.

I first discovered this recipe when looking for a way to jazz up our usual weeknight pasta routine. With a few pantry staples and some leftover rotisserie chicken, it quickly became a household favorite. The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.

Why You'll Love This Crack Chicken Penne

Get ready to add this easy, flavor-packed recipe to your meal rotation. Crack Chicken Penne is a must-try for so many reasons!

First, it's incredibly quick and easy. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a comforting, homemade meal on the table in no time. Perfect for those nights when you need something fast but satisfying.

Second, it’s a crowd-pleaser. The irresistible combination of creamy ranch sauce, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese will have everyone coming back for seconds. Even picky eaters won’t be able to resist!

Another bonus? It’s budget-friendly. Made with affordable ingredients like pasta, chicken, and cheese, this dish proves that delicious doesn’t have to mean expensive.

Lastly, it’s versatile. You can customize it by adding veggies like spinach or mushrooms, switching up the protein, or even making it a one-pot meal by cooking everything in the same pan.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Crack Chicken Penne lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in making this dish rich and delicious.

Penne Pasta serves as the perfect base. Its ridged texture holds onto the creamy sauce, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. If you don’t have penne, rotini or rigatoni work just as well.

Chicken adds heartiness and protein to the dish. Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for convenience, but you can also use cooked and shredded chicken breasts or thighs. If you have leftover grilled chicken, that works too!

Bacon is what takes this dish to the next level. Its crispy, smoky flavor adds a delicious crunch and depth. Cook it until golden and crispy, then crumble it on top for the perfect finishing touch.

Ranch seasoning gives this dish its signature “crack” flavor. A packet of dry ranch mix works great, or you can make your own with a blend of dried herbs and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, dill, and parsley.

Cheese brings the ultimate creamy, gooey goodness. A combination of cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella creates a rich sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta. For extra sharpness, swap in some pepper jack or gouda.

If you want to make this a true one-pot meal, you’ll also need a large skillet or Dutch oven to cook everything together seamlessly.

How To Make This Crack Chicken Penne

Making Crack Chicken Penne is a breeze, and the result is a dish that tastes like pure comfort. Here’s how to bring it together.

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.

In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove it from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about a tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan for extra flavor.

Next, add the chicken to the skillet and cook until warmed through. If you’re using rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken, this step only takes a couple of minutes. Once heated, remove the chicken and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and chicken broth. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Then, add in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until fully melted and combined.

Now, return the cooked penne pasta and chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat evenly in the rich, cheesy sauce. Crumble the crispy bacon on top and give it a final stir.

Let the pasta simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or extra cheese for an extra indulgent touch.

Storage Options

Leftovers of Crack Chicken Penne store beautifully, making this a great make-ahead meal option. Simply place any extras in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To freeze, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

For reheating, the stovetop works best. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Crack Chicken Penne is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few fun variations to try:

Vegetable Boost – Add some nutrition by stirring in fresh spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers. They’ll blend seamlessly with the creamy sauce while adding extra texture and flavor.

Protein Swap – Not a fan of chicken? Try using cooked ground turkey, sausage, or even shrimp for a different take on this dish.

Low-Carb Version – Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly twist. The rich sauce pairs perfectly with low-carb options.

Spicy Kick – If you love heat, mix in some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to give the dish an extra punch of flavor.

One-Pot Method – To cut down on dishes, cook the pasta directly in the sauce by adding extra broth and letting it simmer until tender. This creates a super creamy, no-fuss version of the dish.

No matter how you make it, this Crack Chicken Penne is bound to be a hit. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when your family asks for it again next week!

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