If you’re a fan of comfort food, this Crack Chicken Penne is a dish you don’t want to miss. With a rich, creamy sauce loaded with cream cheese, cheddar, ranch seasoning, and bacon, every bite offers the perfect balance of savory, cheesy goodness. This indulgent pasta is also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe step-by-step so you can enjoy the best comfort food in just 35 minutes!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken works well)
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 3/4 cup bacon, cooked and 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 chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Preparation:

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

• In a large pot of salted water, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions.
• Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Reserve a small amount of the pasta water (about 1/4 cup) in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

• Reduce the heat to low, and add the softened cream cheese to the skillet.
• Sprinkle in the ranch seasoning mix and stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and becomes smooth.
• Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to create a creamy sauce.

Step 4: Add Chicken, Bacon, and Cheese

• Toss in the shredded chicken, half of the chopped bacon, and the sharp cheddar cheese.
• Stir everything together until the cheese is fully melted and the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 5: Combine Pasta with the Sauce

• Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and mix thoroughly to ensure every piece is covered in the delicious creamy sauce.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Top the dish with the remaining bacon and sprinkle chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
• Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, savory bite!

COOKING NOTE:

• Adjust seasoning: After adding the chicken broth, taste the sauce and adjust with salt and pepper if necessary.
• Creaminess tip: If you prefer a richer sauce, increase the amount of heavy cream slightly.
• Chicken options: Shredded rotisserie chicken makes this dish quick and easy, but leftover grilled or baked chicken also works well.
• Vegetable boost: For added nutrition, toss in some sautéed mushrooms or steamed broccoli along with the chicken.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve Crack Chicken Penne with garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks on the side to soak up the creamy sauce.
• A side salad with a light vinaigrette will balance the richness of the dish perfectly.
• Pair with a glass of white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for a complete meal.

Tips:

• Make it spicier: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore the sauce’s consistency.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms and use veggie broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

20 minutes

Total Time:

35 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 689 kcal
• Protein: 31g
• Sodium: 960 mg
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fat: 40g

Conclusion

Crack Chicken Penne is an irresistible pasta dish that combines all the flavors you love—creamy cheese, savory chicken, crispy bacon, and a hint of ranch seasoning. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy families, yet fancy enough to serve at dinner parties. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy a rich, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a household favorite. Give it a try and watch it disappear off the table in no time!

Crack Chicken Penne: Decadent Creamy Crack Chicken Delight

---

• Author: Imili Johnson
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken works well)
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 3/4 cup bacon, cooked and 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 chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

---

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

• In a large pot of salted water, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions.
• Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Reserve a small amount of the pasta water (about 1/4 cup) in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

• Reduce the heat to low, and add the softened cream cheese to the skillet.
• Sprinkle in the ranch seasoning mix and stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and becomes smooth.
• Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to create a creamy sauce.

Step 4: Add Chicken, Bacon, and Cheese

• Toss in the shredded chicken, half of the chopped bacon, and the sharp cheddar cheese.
• Stir everything together until the cheese is fully melted and the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 5: Combine Pasta with the Sauce

• Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and mix thoroughly to ensure every piece is covered in the delicious creamy sauce.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Top the dish with the remaining bacon and sprinkle chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
• Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, savory bite!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 689 kcal
• Sodium: 960 mg
• Protein: 31g