If you’re craving something ultra comforting and packed with flavors that stick with you, then this Crack Chicken Penne Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine tender penne pasta swimming in a dreamy, creamy sauce loaded with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and that irresistible hint of ranch seasoning—the perfect blend to satisfy every craving in one glorious bite. It’s simple enough for a cozy weeknight but special enough to impress friends and family any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe pulls its weight, delivering the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and cheesy goodness. From the soft, al dente penne providing the perfect texture to the smoky bacon adding crunch, each component combines to make this dish unforgettable.
- 12 oz penne pasta: Choose penne because its shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken keeps this recipe quick, while the shredding helps the meat mix effortlessly into the sauce.
- 6 oz cream cheese: This gives the dish its luscious, velvety base that makes it satisfyingly creamy.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping): Cheddar adds sharp, tangy depth to the sauce and creates a golden blanket on top.
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix: This secret ingredient brings that classic, herby ranch flavor everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup bacon crumbles: Adds smoky, savory crunch that contrasts perfectly with the smoothness of the cheese sauce.
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream: Use heavy cream for an ultra-rich sauce or milk for a lighter version.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Melts into the sauce and helps keep it silky.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor at the end.
How to Make Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
Step 1: Cooking the Pasta
Start by boiling your penne pasta in salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture—firm but tender. Drain and set aside to make way for the rich sauce that will coat every piece beautifully.
Step 2: Building the Creamy Sauce Base
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter first. Then add the cream cheese and keep stirring until it’s completely melted and smooth. This sets the stage for a sauce that’s luxuriously creamy and indulgent.
Step 3: Whisking in Milk or Cream
Slowly pour in your milk or heavy cream, whisking constantly. This step is crucial because it creates a silky, smooth sauce that won’t separate or get lumpy, forming the perfect comforting coat for your penne.
Step 4: Adding Ranch and Cheddar Cheese
Now stir in the ranch seasoning mix along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep mixing until the cheese melts completely, infusing the sauce with that tangy, herby ranch twist paired with cheesy richness.
Step 5: Mixing in Chicken and Bacon
Next, fold in the shredded chicken and crispy bacon crumbles. These add protein and texture, turning the dish into a hearty meal. The bacon’s smoky flavor is a fantastic counterpoint to the creamy sauce.
Step 6: Combining Pasta and Sauce
Gently fold the cooked penne into the sauce, ensuring every piece gets nicely coated. This careful mixing makes sure there’s an even distribution of saucy goodness and meaty bits in each bite.
Step 7: Baking to Perfection
Transfer everything into a greased baking dish, top with extra shredded cheddar cheese for that irresistible golden crust, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes. The bubbling cheese on top signals it’s time to enjoy!
How to Serve Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a lovely splash of green and a hint of brightness that balances the richness of the dish. It’s a simple touch that makes your plate look inviting and vibrant.
Side Dishes
Serve this rich and hearty dish alongside a crisp garden salad or some roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus. The fresh crunch and subtle bitterness of greens balance out the creaminess perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist on presentation, try serving the Crack Chicken Penne directly in small individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of extra bacon and chopped chives. This makes it fun and a little fancy, perfect for a dinner party or special family meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crack Chicken Penne stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making it taste even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes well. Just cool it completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through and bubbly again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding sauce, rigatoni, fusilli, or rotini would also work wonderfully and add a fun twist to the texture.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and bacon, and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies for a satisfying vegetarian version.
What if I don’t have ranch seasoning mix?
You can easily make your own with a combination of dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of salt and pepper, or substitute with your favorite seasoning blend.
Can this dish be made dairy-free?
For a dairy-free option, use dairy-free cream cheese, a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, and vegan cheese alternatives. The texture and flavor will be a bit different but still delicious!
How can I make this recipe quicker?
Using pre-cooked chicken, store-bought bacon crumbles, and quick-cooking pasta can shave off prep time while still delivering the same scrumptious results.
Final Thoughts
This Crack Chicken Penne Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—creamy, cheesy, comforting, and totally addictive. It’s perfect for busy nights, family dinners, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something truly delicious. Trust me, once you try it, it will become a regular in your recipe rotation.
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Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crack Chicken Penne is a rich and creamy pasta dish combining tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and a flavorful ranch cheese sauce. This comforting recipe features penne pasta tossed in a cheesy blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and ranch seasoning, baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh parsley for a deliciously indulgent meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Chicken and Bacon
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup bacon crumbles
Sauce
- 6 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
- Make Cream Cheese Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the cream cheese and stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and smooths out to form a creamy base.
- Create Cheese Sauce: Gradually pour in the milk or heavy cream while whisking constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce without lumps.
- Add Seasoning and Cheese: Stir in the ranch seasoning mix and the shredded cheddar cheese, continuing to stir until the cheese melts fully into the sauce, creating a rich and cheesy mixture.
- Combine Chicken and Bacon: Add the cooked shredded chicken and bacon crumbles to the sauce, stirring well to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Toss Pasta: Fold the cooked penne pasta into the sauce mixture, gently tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy chicken and cheese sauce.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the coated pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese evenly on top to form a delicious cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra crisp bacon, cook bacon separately until very crisp and sprinkle just before serving instead of mixing in.
- You can substitute penne pasta with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli.
- Use heavy cream for a richer sauce or milk for a lighter version.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- Adding a pinch of black pepper or garlic powder can enhance flavor if desired.
