Description
Crack chicken penne is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious ranch-infused sauce, ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting recipe balances rich flavors and simple ingredients to create a family favorite that’s both versatile and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Cheese and Dairy
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk or cream (adjust for sauce consistency)
Seasonings
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Penne: Boil salted water and cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet, season chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from skillet and shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the cream cheese with a splash of milk or cream, stirring constantly until smooth and creamy. Stir in ranch seasoning and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the sauce is thick, smooth, and cheesy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked and shredded chicken, crispy bacon bits, and drained penne pasta into the creamy sauce. Toss gently until every piece is thoroughly coated with sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the crack chicken penne to serving plates or a dish. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired. Serve immediately for a warm, creamy, and comforting meal.
Notes
- Cook pasta just right to al dente for best texture.
- Use fresh, crisp bacon for a smoky crunch.
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it tender and moist.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese and grate your own if possible for better melting.
- Adjust sauce consistency by adding milk little by little.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: crack chicken penne, creamy chicken pasta, cheesy chicken pasta, ranch chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner, quick chicken pasta
