Introduction

Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, comforting pasta dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch-flavored sauce. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that comes together quickly and satisfies the whole family.

Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

8 ounce penne pasta
2 tablespoon olive oil
6 slices thick-cut bacon
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 packet ranch seasoning
3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
8 ounce 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 it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet for added flavor.
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 the penne pasta and chicken broth into the skillet, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir continuously until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step 5: Fold in the cooked bacon pieces and shredded cheddar cheese until everything is well combined and the cheese is melted. Garnish with fresh parsley just before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, use smoked paprika or garlic powder along with the ranch seasoning.
Substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer juicier meat.
Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to boost the vegetable content.
Use gluten-free penne to make this dish gluten-free.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne is recommended for its shape and texture, but you can use other pasta types like rotini, rigatoni, or even macaroni based on your preference.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the cream cheese and cheddar cheese with dairy-free alternatives, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 87 reviews

Indulge in the creamy, savory flavors of Crack Chicken Penne, a comforting one-pan dish featuring tender chicken breasts, crispy bacon, and a luscious blend of cream cheese and cheddar. This easy-to-make skillet pasta combines ranch seasoning with fresh parsley for a flavorful finish that’s perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.

Author: Cleo
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

Protein and Seasoning

6 slices thick-cut bacon
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 packet ranch seasoning

Pasta and Dairy

8 ounce penne pasta
8 ounce cream cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Liquids and Garnish

3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Cook the Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thick-cut bacon slices and cook until they are crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pan for flavor.
Brown the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over the chicken. Brown the chicken on both sides until golden and nearly cooked through.
Cook the Pasta: Stir the uncooked penne pasta into the skillet and pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the broth, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add Cream Cheese: Cut the cream cheese into chunks and add it to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted, creating a smooth and creamy sauce that coats the chicken and pasta.
Combine Cheese and Bacon: Crumble the cooked bacon and fold it into the skillet along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a fresh, bright finish. Serve hot for a satisfying and creamy dinner experience.

Notes

Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
Cook the pasta just until al dente as it will continue to soften in the creamy sauce.
For extra spice, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when browning the chicken.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This recipe can be adapted with gluten-free pasta if desired.

Keywords: Crack Chicken, Penne Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Bacon, Ranch Seasoning, Easy Dinner, One-Pan Meal