Oh my gosh, have you ever tried crack chicken penne? It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with chicken and bacon. I made it last night, and wow — everyone wanted seconds!

The best part? It’s super easy to make in just one pot. And let me tell you, the flavors are so yummy — like a cozy hug in a bowl.

If you love pasta and creamy cheese sauce, you have to try this recipe. It’s one of those dinners that makes everyone smile. Plus, it tastes like restaurant food but way cheaper!

So, are you ready to whip up this crack chicken penne? Let me show you how I make it step by step. You’re gonna love how easy and tasty it is!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Food Favorite: Packed with creamy cheese, tender chicken, and crispy bacon, it’s hearty and satisfying.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults both love the ranch and cheese combo. Perfect for picky eaters.
Easy One-Pot Dinner: Cook everything in one pan—less cleanup!
Great for Leftovers: Tastes just as good the next day, making it perfect for lunch meal prep.
Quick to Prepare: Ready in under an hour—ideal for busy weeknights.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes

Servings:
Serves 6 people — great for family dinners or saving leftovers for later.

Difficulty:
Easy — perfect for beginners but satisfying enough for seasoned cooks who want a fast meal.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you get started, here are the tools you’ll need for a smooth cooking experience:

Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: Big enough to cook pasta, chicken, and sauce in one pan.
Tongs or Spatula: For stirring and tossing everything together.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure liquids, pasta, and seasonings.
Colander: For draining pasta if you cook it separately (optional, depending on method).
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For chopping bacon and parsley.
Grater (Optional): To shred fresh cheddar cheese, if not using pre-shredded.
Whisk: Helpful for stirring cream cheese smoothly into broth.

Ingredients for Crack Chicken Penne

These simple yet flavorful ingredients combine to make a creamy, cheesy, ranch-flavored pasta that everyone will love. Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Thick-cut Bacon: Adds smoky, crispy flavor. Thick-cut works best for hearty texture.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Cooked and shredded, it soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: The key to that signature “crack chicken” flavor. Store-bought packets work great.
Penne Pasta: Holds the creamy sauce in its ridges—perfect for this dish.
Chicken Broth (Low-Sodium or No-Salt-Added): Forms the base of the sauce, keeping it savory but not too salty.
Cream Cheese: Makes the sauce rich and creamy.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the sauce, making it gooey and delicious.
Fresh Parsley: Brightens the heavy flavors and adds a fresh touch.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Chicken: You can use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time, or swap for cooked turkey.
Pasta: Penne is ideal, but rotini, rigatoni, or shells work too—something that holds sauce well.
Bacon: Turkey bacon or pancetta can be used if preferred.
Cheddar Cheese: Swap for Colby Jack or mozzarella if you want a milder flavor.
Broth: If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth will work in a pinch.
Cream Cheese: Full-fat works best for richness, but low-fat can be used if you want to lighten it slightly.

Variations for Crack Chicken Penne

Want to mix things up? Here are some easy ways to adjust this recipe to fit different tastes and dietary needs:

Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Swap the Protein: Use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time or cooked turkey for a lighter version.
Go Low-Carb: Skip the pasta and serve the creamy crack chicken mixture over steamed vegetables like broccoli, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash.
Add Veggies: Stir in cooked spinach, broccoli florets, or peas for added nutrition and color.
Change the Cheese: Try mixing in Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Use Gluten-Free Pasta: If you’re gluten-sensitive, use your favorite gluten-free penne or pasta alternative.

How to Make Crack Chicken Penne — Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon

Start by cooking the thick-cut bacon in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Cook until crispy and browned, about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Once cooked, remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan for added flavor (discard the rest).

Tip: Cooking bacon first lets you use that flavorful fat to cook the chicken for maximum taste.

2. Cook the Chicken

In the same skillet with reserved bacon fat, add your boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
Cook over medium heat until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
Once done, remove chicken from the pan, let it rest for 5 minutes, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.

Shortcut Tip: If using rotisserie chicken, skip this step and move to cooking pasta.

3. Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking or resting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions (usually about 10-12 minutes).
Drain and set aside. Or if using the one-pot method, you’ll cook pasta directly in the sauce—see below in Tip.

Tip: If you want fewer dishes, you can cook the pasta directly in the broth and sauce instead of boiling separately (more on this soon!).

4. Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce

In the same skillet (still using those delicious browned bits from chicken and bacon):

Pour in the chicken broth, and bring to a simmer over medium heat, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.
Stir in the ranch seasoning mix and cubed cream cheese.
Whisk or stir continuously until the cream cheese melts fully and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy—about 4-5 minutes.

Tip: If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of extra broth or milk to thin it slightly.

5. Add Cheese and Combine Everything

Once the sauce is smooth:

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.
Add back the shredded chicken, cooked bacon, and cooked penne pasta.
Toss everything together until well-coated in the sauce and heated through.

Optional: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness before serving.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Crack Chicken Penne

This rich, creamy pasta dish can be served in many ways to suit different meals — whether it’s a casual family dinner or a hearty lunch.

Main Dish: Serve hot, straight from the skillet, for a comforting one-pot dinner. Pair with a simple green salad to balance the richness.
With Garlic Bread: Add a side of garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the creamy sauce.
Lighter Side: Pair with steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for added nutrients and color.
In a Pasta Bake: Turn leftovers into a baked casserole — sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top and bake until bubbly.

Storing Crack Chicken Penne

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen over time, making great leftovers.
Freezer: This pasta can be frozen for up to 2 months, but note that cream cheese-based sauces may change texture slightly when thawed.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly into the sauce compared to pre-shredded, which can have added starches.
Keep Pasta Al Dente: Cook pasta until just tender so it holds its shape when mixed with the sauce.
Don’t Overcook Chicken: If cooking chicken from raw, make sure to remove it from heat as soon as it’s cooked through to avoid drying out.
Add Broth Gradually: If you want a thinner sauce, you can always add extra broth at the end to reach your desired consistency.
For a One-Pot Version: After cooking chicken and bacon, add dry penne pasta and broth to the same skillet. Simmer until pasta is tender, then add cheeses and seasoning. This saves dishes and concentrates flavor.
Flavor Boost: Add minced garlic or sautéed onions to the skillet before adding broth for an extra layer of flavor.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a general overview of the nutrition per serving. (Note: Values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands and quantities used.)

Nutrient	Per Serving (Approximate)
Calories	580
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	42g
Fat	30g
Saturated Fat	14g
Cholesterol	115mg
Sodium	820mg
Fiber	2g
Sugar	3g

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

Recipe by Elena SmythCourse: Uncategorized

Servings

Ingredients

6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
12 ounces penne pasta (about 3/4 of a standard box)
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Cook Bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 7-10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
Cook Chicken: In the same pan, add chicken breasts. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from heat, rest for 5 minutes, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces. (If using rotisserie chicken, skip this step.)
Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. (Optional: Cook pasta directly in broth later for fewer dishes.)
Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in ranch seasoning and cream cheese. Whisk until smooth and fully combined, about 4-5 minutes.
Combine: Stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Add shredded chicken, cooked bacon, and penne pasta. Toss everything together until well-coated in sauce and warmed through
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Crack Chicken Penne FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can fully prepare the dish, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.

2. Can I freeze Crack Chicken Penne?

Yes, it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Keep in an airtight container. When reheating, note that the cream cheese sauce may separate slightly—stirring while warming helps bring it back together.

3. What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use mascarpone cheese or a thick, plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option, though the flavor will change slightly.

4. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Broccoli, spinach, or peas make great additions. Stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking to keep them fresh and bright.

5. Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free penne pasta and check that your ranch seasoning is gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Crack Chicken Penne is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and packed with bacon and ranch flavors that everyone loves. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this easy recipe comes together quickly and is always a crowd-pleaser. Feel free to adjust the spice level or add veggies to make it your own.