This Crack Chicken Penne is the perfect weeknight dinner when you’re craving something creamy and satisfying. The combination of tender penne pasta, shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich cheese sauce creates an irresistible comfort dish that comes together in just 40 minutes. Every bite is packed with savory ranch flavors, melty cheddar, and the smoky goodness of bacon.
Whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal. You can also customize the heat level by adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for an extra kick. It’s a hearty and delicious meal that’s guaranteed to become a household favorite.
Full Recipe:
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 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)
Directions:
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Reduce heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese and ranch seasoning mix. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly until well combined and slightly thickened.
- Add the shredded chicken, half of the cooked bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is evenly mixed.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta with the creamy chicken mixture.
- Garnish with the remaining bacon and fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 689 kcal per serving | Servings: 6
Background & History
Crack Chicken Penne is a modern comfort dish that blends the rich, indulgent flavors of creamy cheese, smoky bacon, and tender chicken with the satisfying texture of penne pasta. The dish draws its name from its irresistible flavor profile, often described as “addictive” due to the perfect combination of savory ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and creamy sauce. The simplicity and heartiness of this recipe make it a favorite for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Quick and Easy: With just 40 minutes of total cooking time, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners when you’re short on time but want a hearty, homemade meal.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your preferences. Add a bit of heat with red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños, or swap out the cheddar for mozzarella or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy, creamy sauce combined with bacon and pasta is always a hit with kids, making it a great family meal.
- Meal Prep: Crack Chicken Penne reheats beautifully, so it’s a fantastic option for meal prep. Simply store leftovers in an airtight container, and enjoy it for lunch or dinner over the next few days.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and creamy pasta dish pairs well with lighter, more refreshing sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Green Salad: A crisp, fresh salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic Bread: A classic pairing with pasta, garlic bread adds a satisfying crunch to your meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts offer a healthy, savory side that complements the flavors of the dish.
Substitutions and Additions
- Dairy-Free Option: You can make this dish dairy-free by using a plant-based cream cheese, vegan cheddar, and coconut cream in place of heavy cream.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the regular penne pasta with a gluten-free pasta variety to make this dish gluten-free.
- Low-Carb/Keto Option: For a lower-carb alternative, you can swap out the penne pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets.
Tips for the Best Crack Chicken Penne
- Use Full-Fat Ingredients: For the creamiest texture, use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream. The richness adds depth to the dish.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Shredding your own cheddar ensures a creamier sauce.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the pasta and toss it in the reheated sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, use the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or reheat it on the stove over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain its creaminess.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 689 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 45g
Origins of the Recipe
Crack Chicken, originally a simple slow-cooker recipe consisting of chicken, ranch seasoning, and cream cheese, took off in popularity because of its simplicity and intense flavors. The addition of pasta, specifically penne, evolved the dish into a complete meal by incorporating a starch that soaks up the creamy sauce. The recipe is loved for its versatility—it can be served on its own, on buns as a sandwich, or even over rice.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
- Penne Pasta: Penne is ideal for this dish because its tube-like shape holds onto the creamy sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can substitute it with rigatoni or farfalle for a similar effect.
- Shredded Chicken: Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works perfectly if you’re short on time. Otherwise, poach or roast chicken breasts for fresh shredded chicken.
- Ranch Seasoning: This ingredient brings the signature “crack” flavor, combining herbs and tangy flavors to the creamy sauce. You can either use store-bought seasoning or make your own with a mix of dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Cream Cheese: Provides the base of the creamy sauce. For an extra punch of flavor, use a flavored variety like garlic and herb.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Its rich, bold flavor complements the tanginess of the ranch seasoning and cream cheese, while also adding to the dish’s gooey, cheesy texture.
- Bacon: The smoky, crispy bacon adds a contrasting texture to the creamy pasta and a savory depth that makes this dish irresistible.
Variations to Try
Spicy Crack Chicken Penne:
To spice up the classic recipe, add:
- 1-2 tablespoons of hot sauce or Sriracha into the sauce.
- Diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Vegetable Crack Chicken Penne:
To make it more nutritious, try adding:
- Steamed broccoli or cauliflower.
- Sautéed spinach or kale.
- Sliced mushrooms to the skillet when cooking the onions and garlic.
Buffalo-Style Chicken Penne:
For fans of Buffalo chicken, you can:
- Replace the ranch seasoning with a packet of Buffalo seasoning mix or 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce.
- Garnish with blue cheese crumbles instead of cheddar, for that authentic Buffalo flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Flavors: The creamy, cheesy sauce combined with the savory bacon and the tangy ranch seasoning creates a balanced and satisfying flavor profile. The addition of fresh parsley at the end adds brightness to the richness of the dish.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Crack Chicken Penne is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day. The pasta absorbs more of the sauce, making it even more flavorful when reheated.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or feeding a crowd at a potluck, this recipe is bound to be a hit with both adults and kids. Plus, the ingredients are affordable and easy to find, making it a great budget-friendly meal.
Cooking Tips for Success
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: When making the creamy sauce, using room-temperature cream cheese ensures it melts smoothly into the sauce. This prevents lumps and ensures a silky texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: For the best texture, make sure to cook your pasta al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when mixed with the creamy sauce, so aim for a slightly firm bite.
- Make in a Slow Cooker: If you prefer a hands-off approach, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply place the cream cheese, ranch seasoning, chicken, and bacon in the slow cooker with the broth and cream. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, then stir in the cooked pasta and shredded cheddar right before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Low-Fat Option: Substitute regular cream cheese with low-fat or Neufchâtel cheese and replace the heavy cream with half-and-half to reduce the fat content. You can also use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
- Gluten-Free: Swap out the regular penne for a gluten-free pasta brand like Banza or Jovial for a gluten-free version of this dish.
- Herb Variations: If parsley isn’t your favorite herb, you can swap it out for fresh basil, cilantro, or even green onions for a different flavor at the end.
Dietary Information
This dish, though indulgent, provides a balanced source of macronutrients:
- Protein: The chicken and bacon provide a hefty dose of protein, making this dish both filling and satisfying.
- Carbohydrates: The pasta serves as the main carbohydrate source, offering energy for the day or night.
- Fats: The cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon contribute to the dish’s creamy and decadent mouthfeel, adding fats that are necessary for flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Crack Chicken Penne is the ultimate comfort dish, combining creamy sauce, tender chicken, crispy bacon, and cheesy goodness with hearty penne pasta. Quick, easy to prepare, and highly customizable, it’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this flavorful recipe will quickly become a favorite. Pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing meal that’s both delicious and versatile.