If you’re a fan of creamy, cheesy, and downright indulgent meals, then Crack Chicken Penne is a dish that belongs in your recipe rotation. It’s one of those meals that makes everyone at the table smile, and for good reason it’s deliciously addictive! The combination of tender pasta, creamy sauce, savory chicken, and crispy bacon, all seasoned with ranch flavors, is simply irresistible. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend comfort food treat, this dish hits all the right notes. If you’re cooking for family, friends, or even just yourself, this is a meal that will make you feel all warm and cozy inside.
Introduction: A Personal Love Affair with Crack Chicken Penne
The first time I made Crack Chicken Penne, I knew I had found a recipe that would become a household favorite. As soon as I took the first bite, I was hooked. The creamy sauce wrapped around every piece of pasta, while the sharp cheddar and ranch seasoning delivered a savory punch. The bacon added that perfect bit of crunch and smoky flavor, and the chicken provided heartiness to make this dish incredibly satisfying.
This recipe has become my go-to when I want to bring people together. It’s one of those meals that everyone loves, no matter their age. Whether I’m serving it to my family for a weeknight dinner or bringing it to a potluck, it’s always a hit. The best part? It’s easy to make and doesn’t require fancy ingredients. You can whip it up with things you likely already have in your pantry and fridge.
So, let’s dive into how to make this crowd-pleasing Crack Chicken Penne, step by step!
Ingredients:
For this delicious Crack Chicken Penne recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great for ease)
- 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 fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
These ingredients combine to create a meal that’s bursting with rich flavors and comforting textures. Now, let’s talk about how to prepare this delicious dish.
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Boil it in salted water until al dente, which usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set the pasta aside. This ensures that your pasta is ready to soak up all the creamy, cheesy goodness we’re about to create.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to be translucent and fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until it becomes aromatic. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Once the onions and garlic are ready, stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Lower the heat slightly and add the cream cheese. Stir constantly to ensure that the cream cheese melts smoothly into the liquid. Once fully incorporated, you’ll have a creamy base for your sauce.
Next, sprinkle in the ranch seasoning mix and stir well. This will infuse the sauce with the tangy, herby flavors that make this dish so irresistible. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Add the Chicken and Bacon
Now it’s time to add the heartiness to this dish. Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and bacon pieces, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the sauce. The chicken adds a meaty texture, while the bacon provides a smoky, crispy contrast.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta
Take your drained penne pasta and fold it into the sauce. Use a gentle motion to ensure the pasta is fully coated in the creamy mixture. The sauce will cling to each piece of penne, making every bite rich and flavorful.
Step 6: Season and Garnish
Before serving, taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Then, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Variations: Customizing Your Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
One of the great things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can make a few simple tweaks to suit your dietary preferences or just to change things up. Here are some ideas:
- Low-Carb Option: If you’re watching your carb intake, try substituting the penne pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Both options will still soak up the sauce beautifully, giving you a creamy, cheesy meal without the carbs.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Gluten-free penne works just as well and will hold up to the creamy sauce.
- Spicy Variation: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a few drops of hot sauce to the sauce to give your Crack Chicken Penne a spicy kick.
- Extra Veggies: Want to sneak in some veggies? Add steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or mushrooms to the dish. These vegetables blend well with the creamy sauce and add extra nutrition and texture.
Cooking Notes:
- Sauce Thickness: If your sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a bit more chicken broth or pasta water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken.
- Bacon Cooking Tip: For extra crispy bacon, bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This method keeps the bacon crispy and reduces the greasiness.
- Cheese: Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor. You can also mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Parmesan for a more complex taste.
Serving Suggestions:
Crack Chicken Penne is a satisfying dish on its own, but it can be paired with a few sides to round out the meal:
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the extra creamy sauce.
- Salad: A fresh Caesar salad or a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try pairing this dish with roasted asparagus, brussels sprouts, or broccoli for added flavor and nutrients.
Tips:
- Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to refresh the sauce.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just cook the pasta and toss it with the reheated sauce.
- Leftovers: Leftovers taste just as good the next day! Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little cream or broth to keep the sauce creamy.
Conclusion:
Crack Chicken Penne is the perfect combination of indulgence and comfort. The creamy ranch-flavored sauce, the tender chicken, the smoky bacon, and the sharp cheddar cheese create a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or bringing it to a family gathering, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
So, why not give it a try? Your family and friends will love it, and you might just find yourself making it again and again. Be sure to share your experience, and let me know how you customize your Crack Chicken Penne!
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Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients:
For this delicious Crack Chicken Penne recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great for ease)
- 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 fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Boil it in salted water until al dente, which usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set the pasta aside. This ensures that your pasta is ready to soak up all the creamy, cheesy goodness we’re about to create.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to be translucent and fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until it becomes aromatic. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Once the onions and garlic are ready, stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Lower the heat slightly and add the cream cheese. Stir constantly to ensure that the cream cheese melts smoothly into the liquid. Once fully incorporated, you’ll have a creamy base for your sauce.
Next, sprinkle in the ranch seasoning mix and stir well. This will infuse the sauce with the tangy, herby flavors that make this dish so irresistible. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Add the Chicken and Bacon
Now it’s time to add the heartiness to this dish. Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and bacon pieces, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the sauce. The chicken adds a meaty texture, while the bacon provides a smoky, crispy contrast.
Take your drained penne pasta and fold it into the sauce. Use a gentle motion to ensure the pasta is fully coated in the creamy mixture. The sauce will cling to each piece of penne, making every bite rich and flavorful.
Before serving, taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Then, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Sauce Thickness: If your sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a bit more chicken broth or pasta water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken.
- Bacon Cooking Tip: For extra crispy bacon, bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This method keeps the bacon crispy and reduces the greasiness.
- Cheese: Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor. You can also mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Parmesan for a more complex taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes