Introduction

Discover the creamy delight of Crack Chicken Penne—an easy, comforting pasta dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich cheese sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying and flavorful.

Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

8 ounces penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 slices thick-cut bacon
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 packet ranch seasoning
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and season evenly with the ranch seasoning. Brown the chicken on both sides until cooked through.
Step 3: Stir in the penne pasta and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the pasta is al dente, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted, creating a creamy sauce.
Step 5: Chop the cooked bacon and fold it into the skillet along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is well combined and the cheese has melted.
Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a touch of color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

For extra veggies, add sautéed spinach or mushrooms when you add the pasta and broth.
Use smoked paprika or garlic powder along with ranch seasoning for a deeper flavor.
Substitute penne with your favorite pasta shape like rotini or fusilli.
For a lighter version, swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt added at the end off the heat.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts for even cooking and proper browning. If using frozen, thaw completely before starting.

Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, substitute cream cheese and cheddar cheese with dairy-free alternatives, and double-check the ranch seasoning is dairy-free or use a homemade blend.

Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 98 reviews

Enjoy a comforting and creamy Crack Chicken Penne pasta dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with savory flavors from crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a rich blend of cheeses. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this skillet recipe brings together ranch seasoning and fresh parsley for a deliciously satisfying meal.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
6 slices thick-cut bacon

Pasta & Dairy

8 ounce penne pasta
8 ounce cream cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasoning & Liquids

2 tablespoon olive oil
1 packet ranch seasoning
3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the thick-cut bacon slices until they become crispy. Remove the cooked bacon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Keep the bacon fat in the skillet for cooking the chicken.
Cook Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over the chicken. Brown the chicken on each side until cooked through and golden brown.
Add Pasta and Broth: Stir in the penne pasta and pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the pasta is al dente, absorbing most of the broth and tenderizing.
Add Cream Cheese: Add the cream cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until it melts completely and creates a creamy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken.
Combine Bacon and Cheese: Crumble the cooked bacon and fold it into the skillet along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts and everything is evenly combined.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the top as a bright garnish. Serve the creamy crack chicken penne hot for a delicious and hearty meal.

Notes

Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels while maintaining flavor.
For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when browning the chicken.
Fresh parsley adds a refreshing herbal note; substitute with chives or basil if preferred.
Ensure the cream cheese is softened to help it incorporate more smoothly into the sauce.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: crack chicken, penne pasta, creamy pasta, chicken recipe, bacon recipe, ranch seasoning, easy dinner, one-pan meal