The Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe Everyone Loves

Comfort food reaches new heights with this creamy crack chicken penne that promises pure deliciousness.

Tender pasta mingles with succulent chicken in a sauce that’s impossibly addictive.

Rich and cheesy, this dish brings serious flavor to your dinner table.

Weeknight meals just got an upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Bacon adds a smoky crunch that perfectly complements the creamy sauce.

Every bite delivers a harmony of textures and tastes that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to savor a meal that’s both simple and spectacularly satisfying.

Crack Chicken Penne: The Pasta Crave

• Indulge in a creamy, hearty dish that wraps you in warm, delicious flavors perfect for satisfying serious hunger pangs.
• Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe super accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs.
• Packed with crowd-pleasing ingredients like chicken, bacon, and cheese, this recipe guarantees smiles and clean plates around the dinner table.
• Whip up a delectable meal in less than thirty minutes, transforming busy evenings into delightful dining experiences without complicated techniques or endless prep work.

Ingredients For Flavor-Packed Crack Chicken Penne

• Chicken: A tender and juicy protein that adds heartiness to the dish.
• Bacon: A crispy and flavorful meat that provides a smoky crunch.

• Cream Cheese: A rich and creamy ingredient that helps create a smooth sauce base.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds depth of flavor.
• Heavy Cream: A luxurious dairy product that enhances the sauce's richness.

• Penne Pasta: A classic pasta shape that holds the creamy sauce well.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a flavor foundation for the dish.

• Ranch Seasoning Mix: A zesty blend that adds tangy and herbal notes to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: A savory liquid that helps thin and flavor the sauce.
• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté the aromatics.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright herb that provides a fresh garnish and color contrast.

Tools For Easy, Creamy Pasta Nights

• Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing onions, garlic, and creating the creamy sauce.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Cutting Board: Needed for dicing onions and chopping parsley.
• Sharp Knife: Used for mincing garlic and preparing ingredients.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta after cooking.
• Pot: Necessary for boiling and cooking penne pasta.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for shredding cheddar cheese if using block cheese.

Simple Steps To Crack Chicken Penne Bliss

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil.

Add the penne pasta and cook until it reaches al dente perfection.

Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat.

Toss in the finely chopped onions and crushed garlic.

Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their delightful aroma.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer.

Introduce cream cheese and ranch seasoning to the skillet.

Whisk and stir until the mixture transforms into a silky, smooth sauce that coats the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Build Sauce Depth

Slowly pour in chicken broth and heavy cream.

Continuously stir the liquid to ensure a harmonious blend.

Watch as the sauce becomes rich and velvety, promising incredible flavor.

Step 5: Incorporate Protein And Cheese

Fold in the shredded chicken, half of the crispy bacon bits, and sharp cheddar cheese.

Stir gently until the cheese melts completely and everything melds together beautifully.

Step 6: Marry Pasta And Sauce

Add the cooked penne to the skillet.

Toss and mix thoroughly, ensuring every pasta tube is generously coated with the creamy, savory mixture.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Sprinkle the remaining bacon pieces and freshly chopped parsley over the top.

Serve immediately while the dish is warm and inviting.

Tips For Rich, Creamy Penne Every Time

• Slightly undercook the penne by 1-2 minutes to prevent mushy texture when mixing with sauce.
• Crisp bacon separately for maximum crunchiness and sprinkle on top just before serving to maintain texture.
• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for easier blending and smoother sauce consistency.
• Swap shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for diverse dietary needs.
• Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for an extra kick of heat if you enjoy a spicier version of the dish.

Penne Pasta Variations To Try

• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace penne pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, gluten-free alternative that reduces carbohydrates.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Option: Swap cream cheese with cashew cream and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream to create a plant-based friendly version that maintains creamy texture.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and replace ranch seasoning with taco seasoning to transform the dish into a more robust, southwestern-style meal.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute shredded chicken with roasted chickpeas or plant-based chicken alternative to create a meatless protein-packed version that keeps the same creamy consistency.

Plating Crack Chicken Penne Like A Pro

• Party Platter Paradise: Create a stunning serving board with crispy bacon bits, fresh parsley sprigs, and extra shredded cheese for guests to customize their portions.
• Comfort Meal Companion: Pair this creamy penne with a light side salad featuring mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, indulgent flavors.
• Weekend Meal Prep Magic: Package individual servings in meal prep containers for quick lunches, storing in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheating gently.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve directly from the skillet with crusty garlic bread and additional ranch seasoning on the side, allowing everyone to scoop and enjoy their preferred amount.

Crack Chicken Penne Storage Solutions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.

FAQs

• What makes the ranch seasoning special in this recipe?

Ranch seasoning adds a tangy, herby flavor that enhances the creamy sauce and gives the dish a distinctive taste profile without overpowering the other ingredients.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of shredded chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful alternative that works perfectly in this recipe and saves you cooking time.

• Is this dish considered a comfort food?

Yes, the combination of creamy sauce, pasta, chicken, and bacon creates a quintessential comfort food experience that’s rich, satisfying, and indulgent.

• How can I make this recipe lighter?

To lighten the dish, you can use low-fat cream cheese, reduced-fat cheddar cheese, and substitute half-and-half for heavy cream while keeping the same delicious flavor profile.

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Delicious crack chicken penne combines creamy sauce with tender pasta and savory chicken for an irresistible meal. Rich flavors and simple ingredients make this dish a perfect weeknight dinner option you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) penne pasta
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened

Protein and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 3/4 cup bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Seasoning Components:

• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Boil penne pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes at a rolling boil until al dente, then drain and reserve.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, sautéing diced onions and minced garlic until softened and fragrant.
3. Lower heat and incorporate cream cheese and ranch seasoning, whisking until smooth and creamy without lumps.
4. Stream chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, stirring constantly to create a uniform, velvety sauce.
5. Fold shredded chicken, half the crumbled bacon, and cheddar cheese into the sauce, stirring until cheese completely melts and ingredients integrate.
6. Transfer cooked penne into the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat each pasta piece with the rich, creamy mixture.
7. Top the dish with remaining crispy bacon bits and freshly chopped parsley as a vibrant finishing touch before serving hot.

Notes

• Customize the pasta by using gluten-free penne for a celiac-friendly version.
• Reduce calories by substituting Greek yogurt for cream cheese and using low-fat milk instead of heavy cream.
• Prep chicken in advance by slow-cooking or using rotisserie chicken for faster meal preparation.
• Control sodium levels by choosing low-sodium chicken broth and reducing ranch seasoning mix quantity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 663
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 830 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg