Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

Introduction

Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a cheesy ranch sauce. It’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 6 slices bacon
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup milk or heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts until golden and fully cooked, about 5–6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove bacon, leaving 1 tablespoon of grease in the pan.
4. Step 4: Lower the heat and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds.
5. Step 5: Add cream cheese and milk (or cream) to the skillet. Stir until smooth and creamy.
6. Step 6: Add the remaining ranch seasoning and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is cohesive.
7. Step 7: Cook penne pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
8. Step 8: Slice the cooked chicken and add it to the sauce along with the cooked pasta. Add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
9. Step 9: Gently toss to coat the pasta and chicken evenly.
10. Step 10: Top with crispy bacon and sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish.
11. Step 11: Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use heavy cream instead of milk for a richer, creamier sauce.
• Swap penne with fusilli or rotini for a different pasta shape that holds sauce well.
• For added heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes when cooking garlic.
• Substitute turkey bacon for a leaner bacon option.
• Garnish with extra shredded cheddar or Parmesan for cheesy goodness.

Storage

Store leftover Crack Chicken Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and can add extra juiciness and flavor. Adjust cooking time as needed since thighs may cook faster or slower depending on thickness.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular penne, and double-check that your ranch seasoning and other ingredients don’t contain gluten.

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 71 reviews

Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts, crispy bacon, and a flavorful ranch-infused sauce. This comforting and hearty recipe combines penne pasta with a rich cream cheese and cheddar cheese sauce, enhanced by garlic and fresh parsley, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning (for chicken)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta

• 8 ounces penne pasta

Sauce and Toppings

• 6 slices bacon
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning (remaining)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup milk or heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning to infuse flavor.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Bacon: In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon and leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan for added flavor.
4. Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to low and sauté the minced garlic in the bacon grease for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Make the Sauce: Add cream cheese and milk (or heavy cream) to the skillet, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
6. Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is well combined and cheesy.
7. Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water.
8. Combine Chicken and Pasta: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and return them to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Add the cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it seems too thick.
9. Toss Gently: Carefully toss the chicken, pasta, and sauce together to coat everything evenly without breaking up the chicken pieces.
10. Add Bacon and Parsley: Sprinkle the crispy bacon and fresh chopped parsley over the top of the dish for added flavor and freshness.
11. Serve: Serve the Crack Chicken Penne hot, enjoying the creamy, savory flavors in every bite.

Notes

• Use heavy cream instead of milk for a richer, creamier sauce.
• Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
• For extra spice, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing garlic.
• Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich sauce.
• This dish can be prepared ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Keywords: Crack Chicken, Penne Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Ranch Chicken, Bacon Pasta, Cheesy Pasta Dish