Quick and Easy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

In the world of comfort food, few dishes have reached cult status like Crack Chicken. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with bold ranch flavor, Crack Chicken earned its nickname from its addictive taste. Pair that with pasta—particularly penne—and you’ve got a meal that checks every box: quick, hearty, kid-approved, and weeknight-friendly.

This Quick and Easy Crack Chicken Penne recipe is a one-pot wonder that transforms simple pantry staples into a rich and satisfying dinner in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for something indulgent to feed a crowd or a fast dish to whip up after a long day, this recipe delivers.

What Is Crack Chicken?

Crack Chicken is a popular American dish that typically features shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and bacon. It’s rich, creamy, savory, and utterly addictive—hence the name.

This version builds on the original by turning it into a complete pasta meal using penne. Penne pasta holds the creamy sauce beautifully in its tube-shaped design, and the combination becomes a cheesy, ranch-seasoned pasta dream.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is designed to be both simple and quick, using ingredients that you likely already have on hand.

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb penne pasta (or any short pasta like rigatoni or rotini)

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)

• 6 slices bacon (chopped)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for cooking chicken)

• 1 packet ranch seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade mix)

• 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup milk or half-and-half

• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Additions:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish

• Red pepper flakes (for heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

• In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.

• Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Drain excess bacon fat, leaving 1–2 tablespoons in the pan.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

• Season chicken pieces with a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder (optional).

• In the same skillet with the bacon fat, cook the chicken until browned and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

• In the same pan, add cream cheese, ranch seasoning, chicken broth, and milk.

• Stir continuously over medium-low heat until cream cheese is fully melted and sauce is smooth.

Step 4: Add Pasta

• Stir uncooked penne directly into the sauce.

• Bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and sauce is thickened.

Step 5: Combine Everything

• Once pasta is cooked, stir in the cheddar cheese, cooked chicken, and half the bacon.

• Mix until cheese is melted and everything is well combined.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Top with the remaining bacon, chopped green onions or parsley, and extra shredded cheese if desired.

• Serve hot and enjoy!

Cooking Tips & Time-Savers

Use Pre-Cooked Chicken

To make it even quicker, use:

• Rotisserie chicken (shredded)

• Pre-cooked grilled chicken strips

Use Leftover Bacon

Have cooked bacon from breakfast? Save time by chopping and using it here.

One-Pot Shortcut

This recipe is already designed for minimal cleanup. Cooking the pasta in the sauce saves both time and dishes—no need to boil separately.

Thin Out Sauce If Needed

If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk.

Variations to Try

This recipe is incredibly flexible. Here are some popular variations:

Spicy Crack Chicken Penne

• Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or buffalo sauce to the sauce for heat.

Vegetable-Packed Version

• Stir in cooked broccoli, spinach, or peas near the end of cooking for added nutrition.

Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly

• Substitute penne with spiralized zucchini or cooked cauliflower for a lower-carb dish.

• Reduce milk slightly and add more cream cheese or heavy cream for thickness.

Crack Chicken Alfredo Style

• Replace cheddar with Parmesan cheese.

• Use heavy cream instead of milk.

• Add garlic for a more Italian flair.

Serving Suggestions

Crack Chicken Penne is indulgent and filling, but here are some great pairings:

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread or Cheesy Breadsticks

• Simple Green Salad with vinaigrette

• Roasted Veggies like Brussels sprouts or carrots

Drink Pairings

• Iced tea or lemonade for a family meal

• Chardonnay or a hoppy IPA for adult-friendly dinners

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

• You can freeze this dish, but the dairy-based sauce may separate upon thawing. Add extra cheese or milk when reheating to fix the texture.

Reheating Tips

• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to rehydrate.

• Microwave in 30–60 second bursts, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the entire dish, cool completely, and store in the fridge. Reheat before serving.

Can I use another type of cheese?

Absolutely. Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Colby, or even pepper jack for spice.

Is it spicy?

Not by default. But you can easily make it spicy by adding hot sauce, crushed red pepper, or spicy cheese.

What if I don’t have ranch seasoning?

Make a homemade mix using:

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp dried parsley

• ½ tsp dill

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp pepper

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your ranch mix and broth are certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Quick and Easy Crack Chicken Penne is everything you want in a comfort meal: creamy, cheesy, flavorful, and ready in 30 minutes.