Insanely Good Crack Chicken Penne Recipe Everyone Will Adore

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this creamy crack chicken penne recipe hits all the right notes.

Packed with savory chicken, tender pasta, and a tantalizing blend of seasonings, the dish promises pure comfort.

Cheese melts into every crevice, creating a luxurious sauce that clings perfectly to each penne noodle.

Ranch seasoning adds an irresistible punch of flavor that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with maximum deliciousness, making it a true crowd-pleaser.

No fancy techniques required – just pure, straightforward cooking that delivers maximum satisfaction.

Dive into this delectable meal and watch as it becomes an instant family favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need For Crack Chicken Penne

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that brings hearty flavor and satisfying texture to the dish.
• Bacon: Adds smoky, crispy crunch and rich depth to the overall meal.

• Cream Cheese: Creates ultra-smooth, velvety sauce with luxurious mouthfeel.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp, tangy notes that enhance the dish's richness.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides creamy, stretchy texture and mild complementary flavor.
• Milk: Helps create silky, consistent sauce base.

• Ranch Seasoning: Infuses bold, herbal complexity into the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Ensures perfect chicken searing and prevents sticking.
• Garlic Powder: Adds aromatic warmth and savory undertone.
• Onion Powder: Brings subtle sweet and pungent background flavor.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all other ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Introduces gentle heat and earthy spiciness.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for those craving extra kick.
• Chicken Broth: Deepens overall flavor profile and provides cooking liquid.
• Parsley or Green Onions: Fresh garnish that brightens the entire dish.
• Penne Pasta: Hearty base that catches and holds the creamy sauce perfectly.

Cooking Tools For Crack Chicken Penne

• Large skillet or Dutch oven: Your main cooking vessel for creating this delicious one-pot meal.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting board: For preparing chicken and chopping garnishes.
• Sharp knife: To slice chicken and chop parsley or green onions.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure precise ingredient quantities.
• Cheese grater: If using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.

How To Make Crack Chicken Penne Creamy And Cheesy

• Chicken Preparation

Sizzle chicken pieces in a hot skillet with a splash of olive oil. Sprinkle with ranch seasoning for a flavor explosion. Cook until golden and perfectly done, then set aside.

• Pasta Magic

Pour chicken broth and milk into the same skillet. Toss in uncooked penne, letting it swim in a bath of aromatic seasonings. Simmer gently until pasta reaches tender perfection.

• Cheese Transformation

Swirl cream cheese into the mix, creating a silky smooth base. Reintroduce the chicken and shower with melty cheddar and mozzarella. Watch as the sauce transforms into a creamy dream.

• Bacon Finale

Crumble crispy bacon throughout the dish, adding a crunchy, smoky layer that elevates the entire meal.

• Presentation

Sprinkle fresh herbs on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while the cheese is still gooey and inviting.

Tips For More Flavor In Crack Chicken Penne

• Flavor Boosting Hack: Elevate the ranch seasoning by toasting it briefly in the skillet before adding chicken, which intensifies the spice blend's aromatic qualities and deepens the overall flavor profile.
• Bacon Alternatives: For healthier options, swap traditional bacon with turkey bacon, Canadian bacon, or crispy turkey pastrami to reduce fat content while maintaining that delicious smoky element.
• Gluten-Free Transformation: Replace regular penne with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour. Ensure ranch seasoning is certified gluten-free to make this dish completely safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Twist: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives. Use smoked paprika and nutritional yeast to replicate the rich, meaty flavor profile while keeping the dish completely meat-free.
• Meal Prep Magic: This dish stores excellently in airtight containers for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore the sauce's creamy consistency and prevent the pasta from drying out.

Serving Crack Chicken Penne With Comfort

• Party Plate Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta.
• Weekend Brunch Companion: Top with a soft-poached egg for extra indulgence, transforming this dish into a hearty breakfast option.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Scoop into small appetizer bowls with extra crispy bacon bits and chopped chives for a delightful buffet-style presentation.
• Quick Family Comfort: Pair with garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce, making every bite even more satisfying.

How To Save Crack Chicken Penne For Another Day

• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare entire dish ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 3 days in airtight containers for quick weeknight dinners.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Cool chicken penne completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Will stay delicious for 2-3 months when properly sealed.
• Reheating Wisdom: Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then warm gently in microwave or stovetop. Add splash of chicken broth to restore creamy sauce consistency and prevent drying.
• Portion Control Trick: Divide into individual meal-prep containers for grab-and-go lunches. Keeps ingredients fresh and makes portion tracking effortless for health-conscious eaters.

Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Delightful crack chicken penne combines creamy, cheesy goodness with tender pasta in a quick weeknight meal. Savory ingredients and simple preparation make this dish a crowd-pleasing favorite you’ll want to serve again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (100 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup (50 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• 8 oz (225 g) penne pasta, uncooked
• 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 packet (1 oz/28 g) ranch seasoning mix
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. Protein Preparation: Sear seasoned chicken pieces in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden-brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
2. Liquid Base Formation: Combine chicken broth, milk, and aromatic powders in the same skillet. Add uncooked penne pasta, bringing to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered until pasta becomes tender and liquid is absorbed.
3. Sauce Development: Integrate cream cheese into the pasta, stirring until completely melted and creating a smooth, velvety consistency. Return cooked chicken to the skillet.
4. Cheese Integration: Melt cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the mixture, generating a decadent, creamy coating that envelops pasta and chicken.
5. Final Enhancement: Sprinkle crumbled bacon throughout the dish, then garnish with fresh parsley or green onions. This adds a salty, crunchy texture and bright herbal note. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, creamy composition.

Notes

• Sear Chicken Perfectly: Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the skillet to achieve a golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Manage Pasta Liquid Ratio: Add broth and milk gradually, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking without making the dish too dry or soupy.
• Melt Cheese Smoothly: Remove skillet from direct heat when adding cream cheese and shredded cheeses to prevent burning and create a silky, uniform sauce.
• Balance Bacon’s Saltiness: Crumble bacon finely and add sparingly to control salt intensity, especially if using pre-salted bacon varieties.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg