Irresistible Crack Chicken Penne: Your New Favorite Creamy Pasta (Print Version)
How to make creamy Crack Chicken Penne with tender chicken, bacon, and ranch sauce that your family will absolutely love for dinner tonight.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Standard
# Ingredients:
→ Main Components
01 -
16 ounces (1 box) penne pasta, uncooked
02 -
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces
03 -
8 ounces (about 8 slices) bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
04 -
8 ounces (1 block) cream cheese, softened
05 -
1 cup chicken broth
06 -
1/2 cup heavy cream
→ Flavor Builders & Aromatics
07 -
1 packet (1 ounce) dry ranch seasoning mix
08 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
09 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
10 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
11 -
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
→ Seasonings
12 -
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
13 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground (or to taste)
14 -
1 tablespoon dried parsley
→ Garnish
15 -
2 green onions, sliced
# Instructions:
01 -
Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside. While pasta cooks, crisp the bacon, then crumble it. Dice chicken into 1-inch pieces. This initial prep sets up your delicious Crack Chicken Penne.
02 -
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
03 -
Reduce heat to low. Add softened cream cheese, chicken broth, heavy cream, and ranch seasoning to the skillet. Stir constantly, whisking until the cream cheese fully melts and the sauce emulsifies into a smooth, creamy base.
04 -
Let the sauce gently simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld beautifully. Stir in onion powder, salt, and pepper. Then, gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it's completely melted and incorporated into the rich sauce.
05 -
Carefully add the cooked chicken back into the creamy sauce, along with the drained penne pasta. Toss everything gently to ensure every piece of pasta and chicken is thoroughly coated in the irresistible Crack Chicken Penne sauce.
06 -
Stir in most of the crumbled bacon and dried parsley, reserving some bacon for garnish. Give it a final gentle toss to ensure all the flavors are evenly distributed throughout this comforting Crack Chicken Penne.
07 -
Transfer your delicious Crack Chicken Penne to serving bowls. Garnish generously with the remaining crumbled bacon and freshly sliced green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy this warm, satisfying family favorite!
# Notes:
01 -
Ensure cream cheese is fully softened and whisk the sauce constantly for a smooth, lump-free texture.
02 -
Store leftover Crack Chicken Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
03 -
For a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free penne pasta and verify that your chicken broth and ranch seasoning are also certified GF.
04 -
Serve warm, garnished with extra bacon and green onions, perhaps alongside a crisp side salad or garlic bread.
05 -
Prep chicken, cook bacon, and mince garlic up to 2 days in advance to save time on busy weeknights.
06 -
Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth after browning chicken to capture flavorful fond for a richer sauce.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
large pot
02 -
large skillet or Dutch oven
03 -
cutting board
04 -
sharp knife
05 -
colander
06 -
measuring cups
07 -
measuring spoons
08 -
whisk
09 -
spatula or large spoon
10 -
serving bowls
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 810
Total Fat: 36g
Total Carbohydrate: 62g
Protein: 55g