Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

This Crack Chicken Penne recipe is pure weeknight magic. Imagine tender chicken and penne pasta swimming in the creamiest, most outrageously cheesy ranch sauce, with smoky, crispy bacon peeking through every bite. It’s the kind of meal that’s ready in under 45 minutes and feels like a cozy hug after a long day. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch, this dish is about to become your go-to for comfort and ease.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down what makes this dish special, and how each ingredient plays its part.

• Smoked Bacon: Adds irresistible smoky crunch and savory flavor throughout the dish. Don’t skip reserving some for topping!
• Chicken Breasts: Cubed for quick cooking and a lean, protein-packed bite in every forkful.
• Yellow Onion: Brings sweetness and rounds out the savory base of the dish.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Season the chicken and onions to heighten all the flavors.
• Ranch Seasoning Mix: The secret weapon—tangy herbs and spices that make everything taste better.
• Chicken Stock: Ensures perfectly cooked pasta and gives a rich, flavorful base for the sauce.
• Penne Pasta: Holds all that creamy sauce in its little tubes; you can use any short pasta shape here.
• Cream Cheese: Melts into a luscious, silky sauce—make sure it’s softened for easiest blending.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Turns everything super creamy and comforting, binding the sauce together.
• Colby Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a mild, creamy sharpness. Other cheeses work in a pinch!
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness at the very end.

Tip: Always go for a good quality ranch seasoning for the brightest, freshest flavor. If you like, make your own!

Variations

Want to shake things up? There are so many ways to make this recipe your own.

• Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken for a spicy twist.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in a couple of handfuls of baby spinach, frozen peas, or steamed broccoli in the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll wilt right in!
• Alternative Cheeses: Use sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a bit of heat.
• Swap the Protein: Swap chicken for leftover rotisserie turkey or even sliced smoked sausage for a fun flavor shift.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free penne or rotini and a gluten-free condensed soup.

How to Make Crack Chicken Penne

Here’s how to get dinner on the table fast—and with minimal mess.

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

Start by cooking diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it turns deliciously crispy and the fat is rendered. Scoop out the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate, saving some for topping later. Leave a couple spoons of bacon fat behind—trust me, it’s flavor gold.

Step 2: Cook Chicken and Aromatics

Add your cubed chicken, chopped onion, salt, and pepper directly to the bacon-y skillet. Let everything brown for about 5-6 minutes. If your chicken isn’t cooked through, don’t worry—it will finish as the pasta simmers.

Step 3: Build the Sauce and Simmer

Sprinkle in the ranch seasoning. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom. Toss in the dry penne. Cover, lower the heat, and cook until the pasta is tender—about 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Add Creaminess

Remove the lid and stir in cream cheese and cream of chicken soup. Keep stirring until it’s completely smooth and every noodle is coated.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

Mix in most of the shredded Colby jack cheese, the cooked bacon (except what’s reserved for topping), and some fresh parsley. Stir everything together until you see melty, gooey perfection.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover, and let the heat melt everything together for a few more minutes. Finish with crispy bacon and parsley for serious curb appeal.

How to Serve

This dish is a full, flavor-packed dinner all by itself, but you can always level up:

Garnishes:

Pile on the reserved bacon, a handful of chopped parsley, or even sliced green onions.

Sides:

Think crisp green salads, roasted broccoli, or a bowl of steamed vegetables to cut through the richness.

Bread:

A loaf of garlic bread is perfect for scooping up all that creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The sauce thickens a touch overnight but still stays wonderfully creamy for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze portions in tightly sealed containers for up to a month. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before reheating.

Reheating

Pop leftovers in the microwave with a splash of milk or chicken stock, or reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Stir frequently until hot and creamy again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Crack Chicken Penne is a comforting, hearty, and ridiculously tasty answer to the eternal “What’s for dinner?” question. With its savory ranch flavors, crispy bacon, and all that melty cheese, every bite feels a little bit special—even on the busiest weeknight. Don’t be afraid to make it your own, and definitely don’t expect leftovers to last long. Dive in and enjoy!

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