Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly flavorful pasta dish that brings comfort food to a whole new level. Loaded with tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, rich cream cheese, and sharp cheddar, all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta, it’s the ultimate weeknight dinner indulgence.
The name “crack chicken” comes from how addictive the combination of ranch seasoning, cheese, and bacon can be — one bite and you’ll want more! Whether baked or cooked on the stovetop, this dish is both hearty and satisfying, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
CRACK CHICKEN PENNE
Description
CRACK CHICKEN PENNE is a rich, creamy pasta dish combining tender penne with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious cream cheese–ranch sauce.
It's a comforting, one-pot meal packed with bold, savory flavors and a hint of smokiness.
The name “crack chicken” comes from how addictively tasty it is—thanks to the mix of ranch seasoning, melty cheese, and hearty textures.
Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and impossible to resist.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low and add the cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir constantly until the cream cheese melts into a smooth sauce. Add the ranch seasoning and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
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Return the cooked chicken to the pan, along with crumbled bacon and the drained penne. Stir to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until heated through and thickened slightly.
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Top with extra bacon and sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 700kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 40g62%
- Saturated Fat 20g100%
- Cholesterol 150mg50%
- Sodium 900mg38%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 40g80%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Crack Chicken Penne: A Flavorful and Addictive Meal
Introduction: Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, indulgent dish that has gained popularity for its rich flavors and comforting qualities.
Combining tender penne pasta with a creamy, cheesy sauce loaded with savory ingredients like bacon, chicken, ranch seasoning, and cheddar, it is no surprise that this dish is often described as "addictive."
Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a special occasion, Crack Chicken Penne is sure to be a hit.
This dish is ideal for those who appreciate hearty comfort food with a twist of bold flavors. The blend of ranch seasoning with creamy cheese and the crunch of bacon gives a satisfying experience that tantalizes your taste buds.
Ingredients and Tips for Success:
To make Crack Chicken Penne, you’ll need a few basic ingredients:
- Penne pasta: A versatile choice that holds sauce well. You can use any other pasta of your choice, like rigatoni or farfalle, but penne is ideal because it allows the sauce to coat each piece perfectly.
- Chicken (cooked and shredded): Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, but fresh chicken breasts or thighs also work well. It’s best to cook and shred the chicken beforehand to save time.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor to the dish, which balances the creamy richness of the sauce.
- Cream cheese: This is the base of the creamy sauce and provides a velvety texture. Full-fat cream cheese will give the richest flavor, but you can opt for a lighter version if you prefer.
- Ranch seasoning mix: The secret to the "crack" flavor. It provides the iconic ranch taste that makes this dish irresistible. You can use store-bought packets or make your own with a blend of dried herbs and spices like parsley, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar is the preferred choice for its bold flavor, but feel free to use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and depth to the creamy sauce, balancing the richness.
Tips for Success:
- Cooking the pasta al dente: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy once mixed with the sauce. The pasta will continue cooking as you combine it with the sauce.
- Crisping the bacon properly: For the best texture and flavor, crisp the bacon thoroughly. This adds a delightful crunch and smokiness to the dish.
- Shredding the chicken finely: Shredded chicken allows for better distribution in the dish. If using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin, shred it finely, and add it to the sauce.
- Balancing the seasoning: Ranch seasoning can be potent, so be sure to taste as you go and adjust. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use less ranch seasoning or balance it out with extra cheese or sour cream.
- Customize the vegetables: While Crack Chicken Penne is typically simple, you can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to enhance the dish and boost nutritional value. Saute them with the bacon for added flavor.
Serving Tricks:
- Garnishing: A simple garnish of chopped green onions, fresh herbs (like parsley or cilantro), or even a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese can elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise.
- Pairing sides: Serve the dish with a fresh, crisp salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the pasta. A side of garlic bread is also a great addition if you want something extra indulgent.
- Storing leftovers: This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to the leftovers to restore the creamy texture. It also freezes well for up to 3 months, though the texture of the sauce may change slightly after freezing.
Conclusion:
Crack Chicken Penne is the ultimate comfort food for those who enjoy a creamy, cheesy pasta dish with a bold kick of ranch flavor.
Its ease of preparation makes it a great go-to recipe for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending too much time in the kitchen.
This dish is highly customizable, so feel free to add your favorite ingredients or adjust the level of seasoning to suit your taste.
Whether you're feeding a family or just looking for something indulgent, Crack Chicken Penne delivers on flavor, texture, and satisfaction.
With the right balance of creamy, savory, and slightly smoky flavors, this dish will undoubtedly become a family favorite.
By following a few simple tips and tricks, you can perfect the dish and serve it up with confidence. The beauty of Crack Chicken Penne is in its flexibility and the ability to make it your own.
It’s a meal that brings joy to every bite and leaves everyone craving more.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crack Chicken Penne?
Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish made with penne pasta, chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and a blend of cheeses like cheddar.
It’s called "crack" because it's incredibly addictive, combining savory, cheesy, and creamy flavors in every bite. It often includes bacon or green onions as garnish for added flavor and texture.
Can I use a different type of pasta for Crack Chicken Penne?
Yes! While penne pasta is traditional for this dish, you can easily swap it with other types of pasta, such as rigatoni, rotini, or even spaghetti.
The creamy sauce and chicken mixture will still coat any pasta well, making the dish just as delicious.
Can I make Crack Chicken Penne ahead of time?
Yes, Crack Chicken Penne can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a covered dish in the oven or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore its creamy consistency.
It also freezes well for up to 3 months, making it an ideal make-ahead meal.
Can I make Crack Chicken Penne healthier?
Yes, you can modify the recipe to make it healthier.
Some options include using lighter cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of regular cream cheese, using whole wheat pasta for extra fiber, and reducing the amount of cheese used.
You can also substitute grilled or baked chicken for the usual cooked chicken breast to cut back on added fat.
