Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

There's nothing quite like the creamy, cheesy, and utterly addictive combination of Crack Chicken Penne. This one-pot wonder blends tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious cream cheese sauce with perfectly cooked penne pasta. Every bite is packed with bold flavors that will have your family scraping their plates clean!

I first made this recipe on a whim, trying to use up some leftover rotisserie chicken. Little did I know, it would become a staple in our house. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a cozy Sunday dinner, this dish never fails to impress.

Why You'll Love This Crack Chicken Penne

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that's both indulgent and easy to make. Crack Chicken Penne is one of those meals that feels like a guilty pleasure—but is so simple, you'll be making it on repeat.

First, it's a one-pot meal, which means fewer dishes to clean! Everything from the pasta to the sauce cooks in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze.

The combination of bacon, ranch, and cream cheese is simply irresistible. If you love creamy, cheesy pasta with a smoky, savory kick, this recipe is for you.

It’s also quick and easy, coming together in about 30 minutes. Perfect for those nights when you want comfort food without the hassle.

Plus, it’s kid-approved and family-friendly! Even picky eaters can’t resist the creamy sauce and crispy bacon topping.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Crack Chicken Penne comes from a handful of simple, flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you need and why each one matters.

Penne Pasta is the perfect choice for this dish. Its ridges help hold onto the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. You can substitute with rotini or rigatoni if needed.

Chicken adds a hearty protein boost. I prefer using shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience, but you can also cook and shred boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

Bacon brings a smoky, salty crunch that elevates the entire dish. Cooking it until crispy before adding it to the pasta ensures the perfect texture.

Cream Cheese is the secret to the ultra-creamy sauce. It melts into the dish, creating a rich, velvety base that coats the pasta beautifully.

Ranch Seasoning ties everything together with its blend of herbs and spices. A store-bought packet works great, but you can also make your own with a mix of dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder.

How To Make This Crack Chicken Penne

Creating this Crack Chicken Penne is as simple as it is delicious. Let’s break it down step by step.

Start by cooking your bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once done, remove it from the pan and set it aside, leaving a bit of the bacon grease for extra flavor.

In the same skillet, add chicken broth, milk, and uncooked penne pasta. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook until the pasta is tender. The starch from the pasta helps thicken the sauce naturally.

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in cream cheese and shredded cheddar. The heat will melt everything into a luscious, creamy sauce. Keep stirring until it’s smooth and fully combined.

Add the shredded chicken and ranch seasoning, stirring well to distribute the flavors evenly. Let it simmer for a couple more minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Finally, crumble the crispy bacon over the top and give it a final stir. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh pop of color and extra flavor.

Storage Options

This Crack Chicken Penne makes great leftovers! Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce before microwaving or warming on the stove over low heat.

For longer storage, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Crack Chicken Penne is how easily you can tweak it to your liking.

For a lighter version, swap out the cream cheese for Greek yogurt or light cream cheese. It will still be creamy but with fewer calories.

If you want more veggies, try adding spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers to the pasta while it cooks. It’s a great way to sneak in some greens.

Love spice? Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a little heat.

For a low-carb version, substitute zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice in place of the pasta. The sauce is just as delicious with these alternatives!

No rotisserie chicken on hand? You can quickly cook and shred boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs instead.

However you make it, this dish is pure comfort food at its best. Try it once, and you'll be hooked!

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