Addictive Crack Chicken Penne Recipe for Family Dinners

Let me share a mouthwatering crack chicken penne that will revolutionize your dinner routine.

Creamy, cheesy goodness awaits your taste buds with every single bite.

Weeknight meals demand something special, and this recipe delivers pure comfort.

Busy families need quick solutions that don’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction.

Pasta lovers will appreciate how effortlessly this dish comes together in minutes.

Packed with savory chicken and a decadent sauce, this recipe promises to become your new go-to meal.

Dive into a culinary experience that’s sure to make everyone at the table ask for seconds.

What Makes Crack Chicken Penne So Irresistible

• Quick Family Feast: A delightful one-pan meal that brings everyone together with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Super simple recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, requiring basic kitchen techniques and easy-to-find ingredients.
• Comfort Food Charm: Creamy, cheesy pasta dish that delivers rich, indulgent flavors guaranteed to satisfy comfort food cravings and warm hungry hearts.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable recipe that works brilliantly for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends and family.

Crack Chicken Penne Ingredients You’ll Need

• Penne Pasta: Classic short tube-shaped pasta perfect for holding creamy sauces.
• Chicken: Tender shredded protein that adds heartiness to the dish.
• Cream Cheese: Soft, rich cheese that creates a luxurious and smooth sauce base.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that provides extra flavor and creaminess.
• Heavy Cream: Rich dairy component that makes the sauce silky and indulgent.

• Chicken Broth: Savory liquid that deepens the overall taste of the sauce.
• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Zesty blend that brings tangy and herbal notes to the dish.
• Bacon: Crispy, salty meat that adds a smoky crunch as a topping.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a flavorful foundation.
• Olive Oil: Light cooking oil used for sautéing vegetables.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb for a pop of color and fresh finish.

How to Cook Crack Chicken Penne at Home

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook penne pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until perfectly al dente.

Drain the pasta and set aside in a colander.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic

Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

Reduce the skillet heat to low.

• Cream cheese
• Ranch seasoning mix

Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and velvety.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Whisk constantly to create a rich, creamy sauce that combines perfectly.

Step 5: Add Protein and Cheese

• Shredded chicken
• Half of the crispy bacon
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Stir until the cheese melts completely and creates a luxurious coating.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked penne to the skillet.

Toss gently until every pasta piece is generously covered with the creamy mixture.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle the remaining bacon over the top.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Tips for the Perfect Crack Chicken Penne

• Cook penne al dente to maintain a slight bite, preventing mushy texture and ensuring ideal pasta consistency.
• Stir cream cheese and ranch seasoning mix on low heat to create a silky, lump-free sauce that coats pasta evenly.
• Add cheese gradually and stir continuously to prevent clumping and achieve a creamy, uniform sauce throughout the dish.
• Reserve half the bacon for garnishing to provide a crispy texture contrast and enhance the final presentation of the meal.
• Swap chicken with rotisserie chicken for a time-saving option or use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe more diet-friendly.

Store and Reheat Crack Chicken Penne Like a Pro

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dish.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.
• This creamy pasta dish doesn't freeze well due to potential sauce separation and texture changes when thawed.

What Goes Great with Crack Chicken Penne

• Savor Creamy Comfort Wines: Choose a crisp Chardonnay with buttery notes that complement the rich, creamy sauce and balanced acidity to cut through the heaviness.
• Bacon Beverage Boost: Pair with a cold, hoppy IPA beer that provides a refreshing contrast to the decadent chicken and bacon combination, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Fresh Herb Sidekick: Serve with a light, herbal green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness and add a fresh, zesty counterpoint to the creamy pasta.
• Cheese Lover's Companion: Select a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir with soft tannins that match the melted cheddar and create a harmonious flavor profile without overpowering the dish.

Crack Chicken Penne Combo Options

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Replace penne pasta with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly alternative that reduces carbohydrates while maintaining the creamy, savory flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap cream cheese with cashew cream, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream, and select dairy-free ranch seasoning to accommodate lactose-intolerant dietary needs.
• Vegetarian Protein Option: Substitute shredded chicken with plant-based chicken alternatives like tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas to create a meatless version that still provides satisfying protein and texture.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles and ensure ranch seasoning mix is certified gluten-free, making the recipe safe for individuals with gluten sensitivities.

FAQs

• What ingredients give this Crack Chicken Penne its unique flavor?

The ranch seasoning mix, cream cheese, and bacon create a rich, tangy flavor profile that makes this dish incredibly addictive and delicious.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time and reheat it gently in a skillet or microwave, maintaining its creamy texture and flavor.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works great, you can easily substitute with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, ziti, or shells that will hold the creamy sauce well.

• How can I make this recipe lighter?

To reduce calories, you can use low-fat cream cheese, half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and turkey bacon while still maintaining a delicious taste and creamy consistency.

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy “crack chicken penne” delivers irresistible comfort with its cheesy, herb-infused sauce and tender chicken. Hearty pasta lovers will discover a perfect balance of rich flavors that promise satisfaction in every delightful bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) penne pasta
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened

Meat Additions:

• 3/4 cup bacon, cooked and chopped

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a pot of salted water and cook penne pasta until tender yet firm, ensuring a perfect al dente texture.
2. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside, allowing excess water to evaporate.
3. Select a spacious skillet and warm olive oil over medium heat, creating a gentle sizzling environment.
4. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence.
5. Reduce the stovetop temperature to low, creating a gentle cooking atmosphere for the sauce.
6. Incorporate cream cheese and ranch seasoning mix, stirring with precision until a smooth, velvety consistency emerges.
7. Gradually stream chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, whisking continuously to create a harmonious, creamy blend.
8. Fold in succulent shredded chicken, sprinkle half the crispy bacon pieces, and add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese melts completely.
9. Gently introduce the cooked penne to the skillet, tossing meticulously to ensure each pasta strand is luxuriously coated with the creamy sauce.
10. Complete the dish by scattering remaining bacon bits and freshly chopped parsley across the surface for a vibrant, appetizing presentation.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of ranch seasoning mix for a milder or bolder flavor profile.
• Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt to reduce calories and add a tangy twist to the dish.
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and checking that the ranch seasoning mix is certified gluten-free.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and reduce overall meal preparation time.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 660
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg