The sound of bacon sizzling in my cast iron skillet always takes me back to Sunday suppers when the whole family gathered around our old oak table. This crack chicken penne brings together everything we love about comfort food in one satisfying bowl. It’s become one of those dishes everyone asks for the recipe.
This creamy pasta combines tender chicken with crispy bacon, tangy ranch, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese tossed with perfectly cooked penne. It’s like having all your favorite flavors wrapped up in one cozy dish that comes together in about thirty minutes. You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry right now. Full details in the blog!
I’ve been making variations of this dish for my family for years, always tweaking the seasonings until I found the perfect balance. There’s something magical about how the ranch and cheese create this velvety sauce that clings to every piece of pasta. I tested it three times to get it just right, and I promise you’ll understand why they call it addictive.
PrintCrack Chicken Penne Recipe: Irresistibly Creamy Pasta
This crack chicken penne is a creamy crack chicken penne pasta dish loaded with cheese bacon and ranch flavors. It’s a creamy crack chicken penne recipe perfect for a comforting meal. Enjoy a cheesy bacon ranch penne loved across the USA.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Dinner Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon thick cut
- 1 pound chicken breast boneless and skinless cut into small bite size pieces
- 1 ounce ranch seasoning 1 packet or 2 tbsp
- 8 ounces penne uncooked or pasta of your choice
- 3 1/2 cups chicken broth low sodium or no salt added
- 4 ounces cream cheese I used Philadelphia
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped
Instructions
- Fry the bacon in a large Dutch oven until crisp then remove and drain some fat leaving about 1 tbsp. Chop the bacon into small pieces.
- In the same pot cook the chicken over medium-high heat for around 3 minutes until it begins to brown but is still pink inside. Toss the chicken with ranch seasoning until each piece is evenly coated.
- Add the penne and chicken broth to the pot and stir well then bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until the pasta is tender but firm. Stir occasionally to stop the pasta from sticking.
- Stir in the cream cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and most of the cream cheese melts. Return the bacon to the pot then mix in 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese stirring until melted and combined.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese on top cover the pot and heat for 30 seconds until melted or place under a broiler for up to 5 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 512kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 905mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 107mg
Why This Recipe Will Become Your New Family Favorite
There’s something deeply satisfying about watching a pot of cream cheese melt into golden chicken broth, creating that velvety sauce that makes this crack chicken penne so irresistible. The combination of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and tangy ranch seasoning reminds me of the comfort foods that have brought families together around our dinner table for generations.
What makes this dish truly special is how everything comes together in one pot – no juggling multiple pans or complicated techniques. The pasta cooks right in the seasoned chicken broth, absorbing all those wonderful flavors while you stir occasionally and watch the magic happen.
- One-pot convenience: Less cleanup means more time enjoying dinner with loved ones
- Pantry-friendly ingredients: Most items you likely have on hand already
- Crowd-pleasing flavors: Even picky eaters ask for seconds
Understanding Your Key Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in how simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary when combined with care. Each component plays its part in creating layers of flavor that remind me of the thoughtful cooking techniques passed down through generations.
The thick-cut bacon provides that essential smoky richness, while leaving just enough rendered fat to brown the chicken perfectly. Ranch seasoning might seem modern, but it’s really just a blend of herbs and spices that mirror the herb gardens our grandmothers tended – dill, garlic, and onion working together in harmony.
| Ingredient | Purpose | Kitchen Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Thick-cut bacon | Smoky flavor base | Save 1 tbsp fat for browning chicken |
| Chicken breast | Protein foundation | Cut into bite-size pieces for even cooking |
| Ranch seasoning | Flavor coating | Coat each piece thoroughly for best taste |
| Cream cheese | Creamy sauce base | Let come to room temperature for easier melting |
Step-by-Step Success
The rhythm of this recipe feels like a gentle dance – each step building upon the last, creating layers of flavor that develop naturally. Start by getting that bacon crispy and golden, filling your kitchen with the kind of aroma that draws everyone to gather around.
Once you add the penne and chicken broth, resist the urge to lift the lid too often. Let the pasta absorb those seasoned flavors while cooking to perfect tenderness. The key is maintaining just enough liquid so the cream cheese can create that silky sauce we’re after.
- Bacon first: Renders fat and creates the flavor foundation
- Brown the chicken: Develops rich color even though it finishes cooking later
- Cover and simmer: Allows pasta to absorb the seasoned broth
- Stir in cream cheese: Creates the signature creamy texture
Troubleshooting Common Questions
Even experienced cooks sometimes wonder about the little details that make the difference between good and extraordinary. If your pasta seems too dry during cooking, simply add a bit more chicken broth – there should always be some liquid remaining when the penne reaches that perfect al dente texture.
The cream cheese might look lumpy at first, but gentle stirring will help it melt smoothly into the warm broth. If you notice any stubborn pieces, just keep stirring over low heat until everything becomes silky and cohesive.
- Pasta sticking: Stir occasionally and ensure adequate liquid remains
- Lumpy cream cheese: Keep stirring gently over low heat until smooth
- Too thick: Add a splash more chicken broth to reach desired consistency
Simple Variations and Serving Ideas
This versatile dish adapts beautifully to what you have in your pantry or the preferences of those gathering around your table. The recipe works equally well with different pasta shapes – rotini or shells hold the creamy sauce just as lovingly as penne.
For serving, I love ladling generous portions into warmed bowls and sprinkling fresh parsley on top. The bright green herbs remind me of the simple garnishes that made even everyday meals feel special in our family kitchen.
| Serving Style | Perfect For | Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Hot from the pot | Family dinners | Refrigerate up to 3 days |
| Individual bowls | Casual entertaining | Reheat gently with splash of broth |
| Buffet style | Potluck gatherings | Keep warm in slow cooker on low |
Expert Says
For this CRACK CHICKEN PENNE, consider using whole grain pasta to enhance the dish’s fiber content, which aids digestion and promotes satiety. Additionally, when slow-cooking the chicken, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption while preserving its juiciness and flavor.
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The Journey to My Perfect Crack Chicken Penne
After numerous attempts, my Crack Chicken Penne recipe finally came to life. I’ll never forget the time I added too much cream and the kids burst into laughter, claiming it tasted like “chicken soup ice cream.” Now, it combines rich flavors and tender pasta, bringing our family together around the dinner table, just like it was meant to be.
FAQs ( Crack Chicken Penne )
What is Crack Chicken Penne?
This dish combines creamy cheese, savory bacon, and ranch flavors with tender penne pasta. It’s a comforting meal that perfectly blends the renowned flavor profiles of crack chicken with a hearty pasta, making it a favorite among pasta lovers.
How long does it take to make Crack Chicken Penne?
Preparation usually takes about 15 minutes, with cooking time around 20-30 minutes, depending on your method. If using a slow cooker, it might take 4-6 hours on low. In total, you can enjoy this meal in about an hour or less!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This meal can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
What variations can I make to this meal?
You can easily customize this dish by adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition. For a spicier twist, incorporate jalapeños or hot sauce. Alternatively, swap penne for another pasta type to suit your preference.
You’ll love how this crack chicken penne comes together in just thirty minutes, filling your kitchen with the most wonderful aromas of bacon and melted cheese. The creamy sauce clings to every piece of pasta, creating that perfect bite we all crave. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with eager smiles.
For extra richness, try adding a handful of sharp white cheddar along with the regular cheese – a little trick from my own mother’s kitchen. This recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for three days, and leftovers actually taste even better as the flavors meld together. You can easily swap in rotini or shells if that’s what you have on hand.
I’d love to see how this turns out in your kitchen! Share a photo and tell me – did this remind you of a favorite family dish from your childhood? Save this recipe for those busy weeknights when you need something that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
