Crack Chicken Penne Recipe — Easy Dinner Comfort with a Kick
I fell in love with Crack Chicken Penne the first time I made it on a rainy weeknight when everything else in the fridge felt uninspiring. A recipe shared by a neighbor became my cozy go-to: creamy, savory, and topped with crispy bacon that somehow made a simple pasta feel indulgent. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together — perfect for casual family dinners or for impressing friends without fuss. While "crack chicken" recipes are a modern American comfort-food phenomenon, they borrow from classic creamy chicken casseroles and cheesy pasta traditions that have long been staples at weeknight tables.
Who is this recipe for?
- This recipe is ideal for busy parents, home cooks who love comfort food, and anyone who wants a fast, satisfying weeknight dinner.
Core ingredients overview:
- This dish combines pasta, shredded cooked chicken, crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, cheddar, and chicken broth to create a creamy, flavorful, and easy dinner. The main ingredients are: 2 cups penne pasta, 2 cups shredded cooked chicken, 6 slices crispy bacon, crumbled, 1 packet ranch seasoning mix, 1 cup cream cheese, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup chicken broth, salt and pepper to taste, and chopped green onions for garnish.
Tools & Ingredients
Tools
- Large pot — for boiling the penne.
- Colander — to drain the pasta.
- Large skillet — to melt cheeses and combine the sauce with chicken.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula — for stirring and mixing.
- Measuring cups and spoons — to measure liquids and seasoning.
- Knife and cutting board — to chop green onions and crumble bacon.
Ingredients (with benefits)
- 2 cups penne pasta — hearty pasta shape that holds sauce well.
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken — lean protein and a great way to use leftovers.
- 6 slices crispy bacon, crumbled — adds smoky crunch and savory depth.
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix — concentrated flavor convenience for that classic tang.
- 1 cup cream cheese — gives the sauce a luxuriously smooth and creamy texture.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese — adds sharp, melty cheesiness and color.
- 1 cup chicken broth — thins and flavors the sauce without adding heaviness.
- Salt and pepper to taste — essential for balancing and enhancing flavors.
- Chopped green onions for garnish — fresh brightness and a pop of color.
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, combine the shredded chicken, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, chicken broth, and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is heated through and the cheeses are melted into a smooth sauce.
- Stir in the cooked penne pasta and the crumbled crispy bacon. Mix until everything is well combined and evenly coated with the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped green onions.
FAQ
Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: Yes, you can freeze Crack Chicken Penne. Cool completely, pack into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to revive the sauce.
Q: What can I use instead of ranch seasoning mix?
A: Substitute 1 tablespoon each of dried parsley and garlic powder plus 1/2 teaspoon each of onion powder and dill, and a pinch of salt for a homemade ranch-style seasoning.
Q: Can I use a different pasta shape or cheese?
A: Absolutely. Shells, rigatoni, or fusilli work well. Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend for a different flavor profile.
Q: Is there a lighter version of this dish?
A: Use reduced-fat cream cheese, lower-fat cheddar, and swap bacon for turkey bacon or omit it; add more vegetables to stretch the dish and boost nutrition.
Tips & Tricks
- Don’t overcook the pasta: aim for al dente so it holds texture when mixed with the sauce.
- Use warm chicken broth when reheating or finishing the sauce to help the cream cheese melt smoothly.
- Crisp the bacon well and add most of it into the dish, saving a little for garnish to preserve texture.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Conclusion
If you want more ideas or variations, check out these helpful recipes and inspiration: Crack Chicken Penne – Jo Cooks, Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe – Easy Chicken Recipes, and Crack Chicken Penne – Gonna Want Seconds for different takes and serving suggestions.
Enjoy this creamy, comforting Crack Chicken Penne — share it with family or friends and savor the simple pleasure of a one-pan favorite. Always add
tag after Directions.