The Ultimate Crack Chicken Penne Recipe Everyone Will Love

Whipping up a delectable crack chicken penne promises to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

Culinary magic happens when creamy, savory ingredients blend seamlessly in this irresistible dish.

Comfort meets excitement through tender pasta and rich, bold flavors that dance across your palate.

Succulent chicken pieces nestle between perfectly cooked penne, creating a harmonious blend of textures.

Cheese melts provocatively, adding depth and warmth to each compelling bite.

Kitchen novices and seasoned cooks alike will find this recipe surprisingly simple and supremely satisfying.

What Makes Crack Chicken Penne So Flavorful

• Devour Speedy Comfort: This crack chicken penne delivers a quick, satisfying meal packed with rich, creamy flavors that come together faster than you can order takeout.
• Create One-Pot Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single skillet recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish loaded with cheesy, bacony goodness.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping proteins, adding veggies, or adjusting spice levels to suit your family's taste preferences without complicated techniques.
• Impress Dinner Guests: Elevate your meal game with a restaurant-quality pasta that looks and tastes gourmet but requires minimal cooking skills to prepare perfectly.

Ingredients Needed for Crack Chicken Penne

• Penne Pasta: A classic pasta shape perfect for capturing the creamy sauce and holding onto the delicious chicken mixture.
• Chicken: Tender shredded chicken that provides protein and adds hearty flavor to the dish.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich and smooth base for the creamy sauce.

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp and melty texture to enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream: Contributes to the luxurious and velvety consistency of the sauce.

• Bacon, Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic: Provide depth of flavor and aromatic base for the dish.
• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Adds a tangy and herbal flavor characteristic to the crack chicken recipe.
• Chicken Broth: Helps to thin and blend the sauce while adding additional savory notes.

• Fresh Parsley: Brings a fresh and bright finishing touch to the creamy pasta dish.

How to Prepare Crack Chicken Penne

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook the penne pasta in salted water until it reaches al dente texture. Drain completely and set the pasta aside, letting it rest while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Sizzle Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Add finely chopped onions and crushed garlic, sauteing until they become soft and translucent, releasing their delightful fragrance.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

Lower the heat and introduce cream cheese and ranch seasoning. Stir gently until the mixture transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency that coats the back of your spoon.

Step 4: Build Luxurious Sauce

Slowly introduce chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Whisk continuously to blend the liquids, creating a rich and silky sauce that promises incredible flavor.

Step 5: Incorporate Protein and Cheese

Add tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon pieces, and sharp cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese melts completely and all ingredients meld together harmoniously.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Fold the cooked penne into the creamy chicken mixture. Ensure every pasta piece is generously coated with the decadent sauce.

Step 7: Finish and Garnish

Sprinkle the remaining bacon bits and freshly chopped parsley over the top. Serve immediately while the dish is piping hot and irresistibly aromatic.

Pro Tips for Crack Chicken Penne

• Enhance Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain a perfect bite in the final dish.
• Bacon Boost: Crisp bacon separately and add right before serving to preserve its crunchiness and prevent soggy texture.
• Creamy Sauce Trick: Stir cream cheese slowly and at low heat to prevent lumps and create a smooth, silky sauce consistency.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare components separately and combine just before serving to keep ingredients fresh and prevent sauce separation.
• Protein Swap Strategy: Replace chicken with rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or plant-based alternatives for dietary flexibility and variety.

Variation Suggestions for Crack Chicken Penne

• Vegetarian Penne Delight: Replace shredded chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free penne pasta and ensure ranch seasoning mix is gluten-free certified.
• Spicy Southwestern Remix: Add diced jalapeños, swap ranch seasoning for taco seasoning, and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty kick.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute penne with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy texture.

Pairing Ideas for Crack Chicken Penne

• Perfectly Paired Wine Selection: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with bright acidity to cut through the creamy richness of the crack chicken penne, balancing the dish's heavy texture and complementing its cheesy flavor profile.
• Refreshing Beer Match: Select a light American pale ale that offers subtle hoppy notes, which will help cleanse the palate and provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy, decadent pasta dish.
• Zesty Side Salad Companion: Prepare a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing, featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon-herb vinaigrette to add brightness and acidity that will lighten the meal's richness.

Storage Advice for Crack Chicken Penne

• Transfer leftover Crack Chicken Penne to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the lid is tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
• Pack the dish in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil for extra protection.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of chicken broth or cream to prevent dryness, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs for Crack Chicken Penne

• What makes crack chicken penne different from other pasta dishes?

This dish combines rich, creamy flavors with ranch seasoning, bacon, and multiple cheeses, creating an indulgent and addictive meal that’s far from a typical pasta recipe.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Crack chicken penne can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for busy weeknights or preparing meals ahead of time.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and can save you time. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the creamy sauce as the recipe indicates.

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy comfort meets zesty flavor in this crack chicken penne, blending tender pasta with rich, cheesy chicken goodness. Hearty ingredients dance together, promising a mouthwatering meal that will satisfy your deepest dinner cravings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) penne pasta
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 8 ounces (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

Protein and Flavor Enhancers:

• 3/4 cup bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare penne pasta according to package guidelines, ensuring al dente texture, then drain and reserve.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, introducing diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Lower heat to low, incorporating cream cheese and ranch seasoning, stirring until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
4. Slowly introduce chicken broth and heavy cream, continuously whisking to create a smooth, integrated sauce without lumps.
5. Fold in shredded chicken, crispy bacon pieces (reserving half for garnish), and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until cheese melts completely and ingredients blend harmoniously.
6. Gently fold cooked penne into the creamy chicken mixture, ensuring each pasta strand is evenly coated with the luxurious sauce.
7. Plate the dish, elegantly sprinkling remaining bacon fragments and freshly chopped parsley on top for a vibrant, appetizing presentation.
8. Approximately 35 minutes total preparation and cooking time, yielding 6 hearty servings with rich, comforting flavors.

Notes

• Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt to reduce fat and add protein, creating a lighter yet still creamy texture.
• Customize the heat level by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring ranch seasoning mix is certified gluten-free.
• Meal prep friendly: store in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently with a splash of chicken broth to maintain sauce consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 590 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg