The Best Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

Crack Chicken Penne is a mouthwatering fusion of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. This one-pot wonder combines tender chicken, smoky bacon, and perfectly cooked penne pasta, all coated in a luscious ranch-flavored sauce. It’s a comforting, satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Unbeatable Flavor: The combination of ranch seasoning, cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon creates a rich, savory sauce that’s utterly irresistible.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Meal Prep-Friendly: Leftovers store and reheat beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep.

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Penne pasta
• Bacon
• Chicken broth
• Ranch seasoning mix
• Cream cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Garlic cloves
• Heavy cream
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Mince the garlic and set aside. Chop the bacon into small pieces.
2. Cook the Bacon: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Discard excess grease, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan.
3. Cook the Chicken: In the same pan, add a drizzle of olive oil if needed and cook the seasoned chicken pieces over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside with the bacon.
4. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Cook the Pasta: Add chicken broth to the pan, scraping the bottom to deglaze and release any flavorful bits. Bring to a boil, then stir in the penne pasta. Lower the heat to medium, cover, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
6. Make the Creamy Sauce: Once the pasta is cooked, lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese until melted and smooth. Add the ranch seasoning, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is well combined and the sauce is creamy.
7. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the pan. Stir everything together, allowing the chicken to reheat and absorb the flavors.
8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!

Variations

• Low-Carb Option: Replace penne pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a keto-friendly version.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy twist.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and bacon, and use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli instead.
• Cheese Swap: Try using mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free penne pasta and ensure all other ingredients, such as ranch seasoning, are gluten-free.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4-6

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the creamy consistency. Alternatively, microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken works great. Simply add it when combining the ingredients at the end.

2. What other pasta shapes can I use?

Short pasta like rigatoni, farfalle, or fusilli are excellent substitutes for penne.

3. How can I make this dish healthier?

Use reduced-fat cream cheese, light cheddar, and turkey bacon to lower the calorie count. You can also add extra vegetables like spinach or broccoli.

4. Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it up to 2 days in advance and reheat it before serving. Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.

5. What if my sauce is too thick?

Stir in a little extra chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce.

6. Can I use fresh herbs instead of ranch seasoning?

Certainly! Use a mix of fresh parsley, dill, and chives for a homemade ranch flavor.

7. Can I skip the bacon?

Yes, you can omit the bacon, though it adds a smoky flavor. Try substituting with turkey bacon or smoked paprika for a similar effect.

8. Is this recipe spicy?

No, it’s not spicy. However, you can adjust the heat level by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

9. What’s the best way to cook bacon for this recipe?

Cook it in the same pan you’ll use for the rest of the dish to build layers of flavor from the rendered bacon fat.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Use a larger pot and adjust cooking times slightly to accommodate the increased volume.

Conclusion

This Crack Chicken Penne recipe is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and loaded with bold flavors. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this dish is guaranteed to impress. With its easy preparation and versatile nature, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite. Give it a try and experience the magic for yourself!

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