Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy, and utterly addictive pasta dish that’s packed with flavors of ranch, bacon, and tender chicken. This easy-to-make recipe combines juicy chicken with penne pasta, a rich cream cheese sauce, and crispy bacon, making it a perfect comfort food for any night of the week.

1. Cook the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the diced chicken breasts with ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.

2. Add the Pasta and Liquid

Once the chicken is cooked, add the penne pasta, chicken broth, and water to the pot. Stir everything together, ensuring the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the creamy sauce. In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and milk (or heavy cream). Stir until the cheeses begin to melt and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. If you like a little heat, add the paprika and red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Once the pasta is cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed, pour the cheese sauce into the pot with the pasta and chicken. Stir everything together over low heat until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.

5. Add Bacon and Toppings

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions. These ingredients add a savory, smoky flavor and a nice crunch to the dish. For extra color and flavor, sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley if desired.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Crack Chicken Penne hot, topped with extra bacon bits, cheese, or green onions if you prefer. This dish is perfect on its own or paired with a fresh side salad or garlic bread.

Tips for Success

• Chicken Choice: You can use either boneless chicken breasts or thighs in this recipe, depending on your preference. Thighs will give a richer flavor, while breasts are leaner.
• Bacon Crunch: For the crispiest bacon, cook it separately before adding it to the pasta. You can also use pre-cooked bacon bits if you’re short on time.
• Pasta Alternatives: If you don’t have penne on hand, any short pasta like rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli works great in this recipe.
• Make it Spicier: To kick up the heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic bread or crusty baguette for dipping into the creamy sauce.
• A fresh Caesar salad or mixed greens to balance out the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus for a healthier side.

Storing and Reheating

• Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the Crack Chicken Penne in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or broth to help rehydrate the sauce, as it may thicken when chilled.

Conclusion

This Crack Chicken Penne recipe is a flavorful, creamy, and satisfying dish that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. The combination of ranch-seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, tender pasta, and a decadent cheese sauce creates a meal that’s irresistible. With just one pot and simple ingredients, it’s a go-to recipe for weeknight dinners or any time you need a quick and comforting meal. Enjoy!

Yield: 7

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

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Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy, and utterly addictive pasta dish that's packed with flavors of ranch, bacon, and tender chicken. This easy-to-make recipe combines juicy chicken with penne pasta, a rich cream cheese sauce, and crispy bacon, making it a perfect comfort food for any night of the week.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken:

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil or cooking spray.

Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until fully cooked and browned, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce:

In the same skillet, add the softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, and chicken broth. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and combined, creating a smooth sauce.

Stir in the sour cream, heavy cream (if using), and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine Everything:

Add the cooked chicken and crumbled bacon into the sauce. Stir to coat everything evenly.

Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the creamy chicken and bacon mixture.

5. Finish with Cheese:

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta. If you want the cheese melted on top, you can transfer the skillet to the oven under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to brown and melt the cheese (optional).

6. Garnish and Serve:

Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

• Ranch Flavor: For an even stronger ranch flavor, you can add a few extra tablespoons of ranch seasoning or a bit of ranch dressing.
• Bacon: Use pre-cooked bacon to save time, or substitute with turkey bacon for a lighter option.
• Extra Veggies: Add some broccoli, spinach, or peas to sneak in some vegetables.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to keep it creamy.