Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

Introduction

Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, comforting pasta dish packed with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and a flavorful ranch-infused sauce. This easy recipe comes together quickly and makes a perfect weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 3/4 cup bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Step 3: Add the cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth.
4. Step 4: Stir in the shredded chicken, cooked bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese. Cook together for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until everything is well combined.
6. Step 6: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute the chicken with leftover rotisserie, grilled chicken, or shredded chicken breast for convenience.
• For extra creaminess, add additional cream cheese or heavy cream to the sauce.
• Add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for more flavor and nutrition.

Storage

Store leftover Crack Chicken Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

You can freeze Crack Chicken Penne, but the texture of the cream cheese sauce may change slightly. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 140 reviews

A creamy, flavorful Crack Chicken Penne recipe combining tender shredded chicken, rich cream cheese sauce, savory bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese tossed with al dente penne pasta. Perfect for a comforting dinner that’s easy to make and packed with delicious flavors.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 lb penne pasta

Chicken & Bacon

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 3/4 cup bacon, cooked and chopped

Sauce

• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning & Garnish

• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside to be combined later.
2. Cook Onion & Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, releasing its aroma.
3. Make Sauce: To the skillet, add softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely, resulting in a smooth and creamy sauce.
4. Combine Chicken & Bacon: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, chopped cooked bacon, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Let the mixture simmer and cook together for 5-7 minutes to meld all the flavors well.
5. Toss Pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the sauce and chicken mixture. Toss everything thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated and combined with the creamy sauce.
6. Season & Garnish: Season the dish with salt and pepper to your taste. Finally, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top as a bright, fresh garnish before serving.

Notes

• Substitute Chicken: You can use any cooked chicken you prefer such as leftover rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or shredded chicken breast.
• For Extra Creaminess: Add more cream cheese or heavy cream to make the sauce richer and creamier.
• Add More Veggies: Enhance flavor and nutrition by adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini.

Keywords: Crack Chicken, Penne Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Ranch Seasoning, Bacon Pasta, Easy Dinner Recipe