Introduction

Crack Chicken Penne is a comforting and creamy pasta dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a cheesy ranch-flavored sauce. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent without being complicated.

Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

8 ounce penne pasta
2 tablespoon olive oil
6 slices thick-cut bacon
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 packet ranch seasoning
3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
8 ounce 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 sprinkle with ranch seasoning. Brown the chicken on both sides until cooked through.
Step 3: Stir in the penne pasta and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step 5: Fold in the cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing well until the cheese is melted. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add minced garlic when browning the chicken.
Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a different twist.
Use turkey bacon as a leaner alternative to traditional bacon.
Add chopped spinach or peas for some green vegetables.

Storage

Store leftovers 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 needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, other short pasta shapes like rotini or fusilli work well and hold the sauce nicely.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute the cream cheese and cheddar with dairy-free alternatives, but the texture and flavor will vary slightly.

Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 101 reviews

Indulge in the creamy, savory flavors of Crack Chicken Penne, a comforting dish combining tender chicken breasts, crispy bacon, and cheesy penne pasta in a luscious ranch-seasoned sauce. This easy-to-make skillet meal brings rich textures and a burst of flavor perfect for a satisfying dinner any night of the week.

Author: Marco
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

Pasta and Chicken

8 ounces penne pasta
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 packet ranch seasoning
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Other Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
6 slices thick-cut bacon
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 bacon slices until they are crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the reserved bacon fat in the skillet for added flavor.
Prepare the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the skillet with the bacon fat. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over the chicken. Brown the chicken on both sides for a few minutes each until partially cooked and nicely seared.
Simmer pasta with broth: Add the penne pasta to the skillet with the browned chicken. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook until the pasta is al dente and the chicken is fully cooked through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Create the creamy sauce: Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Combine cheese and bacon: Fold in the cooked crispy bacon pieces and the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and all ingredients are well combined, creating a rich and flavorful sauce coating the pasta and chicken.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a bright, fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, comforting pasta dish.

Notes

Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness, especially when using bacon and ranch seasoning.
For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes when browning the chicken.
Ensure pasta is cooked to al dente to avoid mushiness when combined with the creamy sauce.
Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
To make it gluten-free, substitute penne pasta with a gluten-free variety.

Keywords: crack chicken penne, creamy chicken pasta, bacon pasta, ranch seasoning recipe, easy dinner pasta