Introduction

Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and cheesy goodness with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal that’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

8 ounces penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 slices thick-cut bacon
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 packet ranch seasoning
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and season them evenly with the ranch seasoning. Brown the chicken on both sides until cooked through.
Step 3: Stir in the penne pasta and chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the pasta is al dente, absorbing most of the broth.
Step 4: Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until it melts completely, creating a creamy sauce.
Step 5: Fold in the cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until everything is well combined. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine before adding the chicken broth.
Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a different twist.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to increase the veggie content and boost nutrition.
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, richer taste.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or rigatoni. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the pasta is al dente.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and make sure the ranch seasoning and chicken broth are gluten-free as well. This will keep the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 61 reviews

Enjoy a creamy and savory dinner with this Crack Chicken Penne recipe. Featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with ranch, crispy bacon, and a luscious blend of cream cheese and cheddar, all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. This skillet meal is comforting, rich, and easy to prepare — perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Author: Stella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Meat

8 ounces penne pasta
6 slices thick-cut bacon
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings and Dairy

1 packet ranch seasoning
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Oil and Garnishes

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the thick-cut bacon slices until they are crispy. Once done, remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve the bacon fat left in the skillet for added flavor in the next steps.
Brown the chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over the chicken. Cook the chicken, turning occasionally, until both sides are well browned and the chicken is nearly cooked through.
Simmer pasta and broth: Stir in the penne pasta and pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the pasta is al dente and most of the broth has been absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add cream cheese: Lower the heat and add the cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and creates a creamy sauce coating the pasta and chicken.
Combine bacon and cheddar: Crumble the cooked bacon and fold it into the skillet along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently until the cheese is melted and well incorporated into the creamy sauce.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving to add a bright, fresh note to this rich and hearty meal.

Notes

For extra spice, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when browning the chicken.
Substitute penne pasta with any other short pasta like rigatoni or rotini if preferred.
Use low-fat cream cheese to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess.
Make sure to reserve the bacon fat as it adds a smoky depth of flavor to the dish.
This recipe can be adapted to a slow cooker by browning ingredients separately then layering and cooking on low for 2-3 hours.

Keywords: Crack Chicken Penne, creamy chicken pasta, bacon ranch pasta, easy one skillet meal, comfort food pasta