Crack Chicken Penne: Cheesy, creamy pasta loaded with chicken, bacon, ranch seasoning, and cream cheese for a one-pot comfort food classic.
Do you ever make a recipe and immediately think, where has this been all my life? That’s exactly what happened the first time I made Crack Chicken Penne. Let me set the scene: it was a Thursday night, I was tired, and the idea of washing more than one pot made me want to cry. I had chicken defrosting and a half-open packet of ranch seasoning staring me down from the pantry, like it knew its time had come.
I’ll admit, I wasn’t totally sure how it would turn out. I mean, ranch and pasta? But let me tell you, as soon as I took the first bite, I was hooked. My kids inhaled it, my husband went back for seconds (and thirds), and I ended up scraping the pot clean for leftovers to take to work the next day. Now it’s one of those dishes that makes regular appearances in our house—especially when we need something that feels like a hug in food form.
Why You’ll Love This Crack Chicken Penne Recipe?
This isn’t just any pasta dish. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- One pot, zero stress. No juggling a million dishes or steps—it all happens in one magical pot.
- Packed with flavor. The ranch seasoning, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar create a combo that’s dangerously good.
- Quick comfort food. It’s ready in under 40 minutes, but it tastes like you spent hours making it.
- Family-approved. Seriously, I’ve yet to meet someone who doesn’t love this dish.
- Perfect for leftovers. If there are any leftovers (a big if), they reheat like a dream.
Ingredient Notes:
The magic of this recipe is in its simplicity. Here’s why each ingredient matters:
- Bacon: Thick-cut bacon is ideal because it adds extra crunch and flavor, but honestly, whatever bacon you have will work. (I mean, is there ever bad bacon?)
- Chicken Breast: Cut into small pieces so it cooks quickly and evenly. Don’t overthink it—just chop and toss it in.
- Ranch Seasoning: This is the game-changer. It ties everything together and gives the dish that can’t-stop-eating-it quality.
- Penne Pasta: I love penne because it holds the sauce so well, but if you’ve got rigatoni, ziti, or even macaroni, they’ll work too.
- Chicken Broth: It cooks the pasta while infusing it with flavor. Low-sodium is best, so you’re not overdoing it on salt.
- Cream Cheese: The secret to that creamy, velvety sauce. Full-fat is my go-to, but you can use light if that’s your thing.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor punch. Mild works too, but it won’t be quite as bold.
- Parsley: Not essential, but it adds a pop of freshness and makes the dish look extra fancy.
How To Make Crack Chicken Penne?
Let’s break this down so you can nail it every time.
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by cooking your bacon in a big pot or Dutch oven. You want it golden and crispy—not floppy. Once it’s done, pull it out and chop it into bits. Leave about a tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pot for flavor. (If you’re feeling guilty, just pretend you didn’t read that last part.)
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Add the chicken to the pot and cook it for about three minutes. It won’t be fully cooked yet, and that’s fine. Toss in the ranch seasoning and stir until every piece is coated in herby, savory goodness.
Step 3: Pasta Time
Pour in the penne and chicken broth, stir it all together, and bring it to a boil. Then lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks. By the end, the pasta should be tender, and there should still be a bit of liquid left.
Step 4: Get Creamy
Add the cream cheese and stir until it’s melted and creamy. Then toss in the bacon bits and about 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar. Stir everything together until it’s a cheesy, dreamy pot of deliciousness.
Step 5: Finish with Flair
Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar on top, cover the pot, and let it sit for a minute or two to melt. Feeling fancy? Stick it under the broiler for a few minutes to get that golden, bubbly top.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with parsley if you’re feeling extra, and serve it straight from the pot. It’s cozy, it’s indulgent, and it’s everything you want in a weeknight dinner.
Storage Options:
Got leftovers? Lucky you. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to keep it creamy.
- Freezer: Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to a month, and reheating is as easy as tossing it in a pot.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to switch things up? Here’s how to make this dish your own:
- Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, broccoli, or peas for a little color and crunch.
- Try Different Cheese: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or even Gruyère for a fancy twist.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a little kick.
- Go Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and you’re all set.
What to Serve with Crack Chicken Penne?
This dish is a star on its own, but here’s how to make it even better:
- Salad: A crisp Caesar or mixed green salad balances the richness perfectly.
- Bread: Garlic bread, anyone? Or just a crusty baguette to soak up the sauce.
- Drinks: Pair it with a glass of white wine or a cold, hoppy beer for the ultimate comfort meal.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works great. Just skip the browning step and add it in with the ranch seasoning.
What if I don’t have penne pasta?
No worries! Rigatoni, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni will work just fine.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yep! Cook it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of broth to bring back the creaminess.
So, what do you think? Ready to dive into a big bowl of creamy, cheesy Crack Chicken Penne? It’s easy, it’s comforting, and it might just become your new favorite recipe. Give it a try, and let me know how it goes—I can’t wait to hear what you think!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Crack Chicken Penne
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 oz ranch seasoning 1 packet or 2 tbsp
- 8 oz uncooked penne or pasta of choice
- 3½ c low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese Philadelphia recommended
- 2 c shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- In a pot cook the bacon until it turns crispy. Set the bacon aside. Chop it into pieces. Keep around 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pot.
- Next, add the chicken pieces to the pot. Cook them until they start to turn brown. Sprinkle some ranch seasoning over the chicken and mix it well.
- Now pour, in the penne pasta and chicken broth. Bring it to a boil then reduce the heat and let it simmer with a lid on until the pasta is cooked al dente. Remember to stir to prevent sticking.
- Once that's done add in cream cheese and mix until it becomes smooth. Then return the chopped bacon to the pot. Add 1½ cups of cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until all of the cheese has melted.
- To finish off sprinkle some cheddar cheese on top. You can cover it for 30 seconds until the cheese melts or put it under broil in your oven to get a nice golden brown color on top. Finally garnish with parsley, before serving this dish! Enjoy!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
