Crack Chicken Penne Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Whipping up a mouthwatering crack chicken penne can turn an ordinary dinner into a culinary adventure.

Creamy sauce mingles with tender chicken, creating flavors that dance across your palate.

Comfort food meets gourmet experience in this incredibly simple dish.

Busy home cooks appreciate meals that come together quickly without sacrificing taste.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising satisfaction with every forkful.

Rich and indulgent, this recipe will become your new weeknight favorite.

Grab a skillet and let’s make magic happen in your kitchen tonight.

Crack Chicken Penne: Why It’s Always a Favorite

• This one-skillet recipe takes just 25 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy families needing delicious meals fast.
• Combining ranch seasoning, multiple cheeses, and crispy bacon creates an irresistible taste profile that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Using a single skillet means less washing up, reducing post-dinner kitchen stress and giving you more time to relax with loved ones.
• Easily swap ingredients like adding different proteins or adjusting spice levels to match your family's unique taste preferences.

Everything You’ll Need for Crack Chicken Penne

• Chicken: Tender protein base of the dish, boneless and skinless for easy cooking.
• Bacon: Adds crispy, smoky flavor and extra richness to the recipe.

• Cream Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy base that creates a smooth, rich sauce with melty texture.
• Milk: Helps create silky sauce consistency and adds subtle creaminess.

• Penne Pasta: Hearty pasta shape that holds sauce well and provides substantial texture.
• Ranch Seasoning: Adds zesty flavor profile with herbs and spices.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides depth of flavor without fresh ingredient preparation.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance overall taste.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for those who enjoy a spicy kick.

• Chicken Broth: Provides liquid base and enhances savory flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds subtle flavor during cooking.
• Parsley or Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds brightness and color.

Cook Crack Chicken Penne Fast and

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken Pieces

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat

Sprinkle ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper over chicken

Cook chicken until golden and thoroughly done

Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate

Step 2: Create Pasta Base

• Chicken broth
• Milk
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Add uncooked penne pasta

Bring mixture to boiling point

Reduce heat and simmer covered for 10-12 minutes

Stir occasionally until pasta becomes tender

Step 3: Develop Creamy Sauce

Blend cream cheese until completely melted

Return cooked chicken back to skillet

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Stir until cheese melts and sauce becomes smooth

Step 4: Incorporate Crispy Bacon

Fold crumbled bacon throughout mixture

Reserve small portion for optional topping

Step 5: Finish and Plate

Sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions on top

Serve immediately while hot and delicious

Tips to Keep Crack Chicken Penne Extra

• Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir the penne occasionally while cooking to stop it from clumping together and ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Remove skillet from heat when adding cheeses to prevent scorching and create a smoother, more consistent sauce texture.
• Bacon Crispy Hack: Cook bacon separately until extra crispy, then crumble for maximum crunch and intense flavor in the final dish.
• Ranch Seasoning Boost: Use homemade ranch seasoning for a fresher taste and control over salt levels compared to pre-packaged mixes.
• Low-Sodium Option: Replace regular chicken broth with low-sodium version and reduce added salt to make the recipe more heart-friendly and diet-conscious.

Store Crack Chicken Penne with Zero Fuss

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy texture and prevent sticking.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Add extra cheese or a touch of cream while reheating to maintain original saucy consistency and rich flavor.

What Complements Crack Chicken Penne Best

• Pair this creamy crack chicken penne with a crisp, medium-bodied Chardonnay that complements the rich cheese blend and cuts through the richness.
• Select a hoppy IPA or amber ale that stands up to the salty, smoky bacon notes and provides a refreshing contrast to the heavy pasta.
• Serve a light, herbaceous white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to balance the creamy sauce and add a bright, zesty undertone to each bite.
• Accompany the dish with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to introduce a crisp, peppery element that cleanses the palate between creamy bites.

Crack Chicken Penne Swaps to Try

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace penne pasta with riced cauliflower or cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version that reduces carbohydrates while maintaining the creamy, cheesy flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute dairy ingredients with coconut milk, vegan cream cheese, and non-dairy cheese alternatives to create a lactose-free version that still offers rich, comforting taste.
• Vegetarian Protein Version: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like crispy tofu, chickpeas, or roasted vegetable medley to transform the dish into a meatless meal packed with nutrients and flavor.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Add diced green chiles, swap ranch seasoning for taco seasoning, and top with fresh jalapeños to give the recipe a southwest-inspired kick that elevates the original recipe's flavor complexity.

Crack Chicken Penne Questions Answered

• What gives this Crack Chicken Penne its unique flavor?

The combination of ranch seasoning, multiple cheeses, and crispy bacon creates a rich, indulgent taste that makes this dish incredibly addictive and flavorful.

• Is this recipe spicy?

You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. If you prefer mild, use less or skip them entirely; for more kick, add extra flakes.

• Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you have leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken, you can easily substitute it. Just add the pre-cooked chicken during the final cheese-melting stage to warm it through.

• Do I need to drain the pasta before adding other ingredients?

No, this is a one-pot recipe where you’ll cook the pasta directly in the liquid, allowing the starches to help create a creamy sauce without draining.

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Irresistible “crack chicken penne” brings zesty comfort to dinner tables with creamy, cheesy pasta perfection. Family-friendly flavors merge tender chicken, rich sauce, and hearty penne for a quick meal that satisfies hungry crowds in minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled

Cheese and Dairy:

• 4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 8 ounces (225 g) penne pasta (uncooked)
• 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 packet (1 ounce/28 g) ranch seasoning mix
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious skillet or Dutch oven, heating olive oil over medium-high temperature for chicken preparation.
2. Season chicken pieces generously with ranch seasoning, incorporating salt and pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
3. Sauté chicken thoroughly until golden brown and completely cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes, then transfer to a separate plate.
4. Utilize the same cooking vessel to combine chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional crushed red pepper flakes.
5. Introduce uncooked penne pasta directly into the liquid mixture, bringing contents to a vigorous boil before reducing heat.
6. Cover and simmer the pasta, stirring intermittently, until pasta reaches tender consistency, typically 10-12 minutes.
7. Incorporate cream cheese into the pasta, stirring until completely melted and creating a smooth, creamy texture.
8. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, adding shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, mixing until cheese melts entirely.
9. Fold crumbled bacon throughout the dish, reserving a small portion for potential garnish.
10. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions to add brightness and visual appeal.
11. Serve immediately while hot, ensuring maximum flavor and optimal creamy consistency.

Notes

• Adjust ranch seasoning intensity by gradually adding it to match your preferred flavor profile, ensuring a balanced taste without overwhelming the dish.
• Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels, making the recipe more heart-friendly and customizable for those watching sodium intake.
• Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining the recipe’s creamy, comforting essence.
• Consider using turkey bacon or reducing bacon quantity for a lighter version that still delivers rich, smoky flavor without excess calories.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg