Ultimate Crack Chicken Penne: A Creamy, Cheesy Comfort Food Delight

If you’re craving something rich, creamy, and totally comforting, look no further than this crack chicken penne! Packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch sauce, this one-pot dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a flavorful meal without a lot of fuss. With its cheesy goodness and deliciously seasoned chicken, it’s the kind of dish that quickly becomes a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This crack chicken penne combines all the best comfort food elements into one easy-to-make dish. It’s creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for dinner or a special occasion. Plus, it’s super versatile, so you can tweak it to your liking. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or serving a crowd, this dish delivers. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try:

• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing pots and pans. Who doesn’t love that?
• Loaded with Flavor: The combination of ranch seasoning, creamy cheese, and savory chicken creates a flavor explosion that you’ll want to dive into again and again.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those nights when you need a delicious meal fast. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner!
• Customizable: Whether you want to add veggies for a boost of nutrition or swap out the pasta for a low-carb option, this dish can easily be modified to suit your dietary needs.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will love this dish, from the kids to the adults. It’s the kind of meal that disappears quickly, so you might want to double the recipe!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Penne pasta
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
• Cream cheese
• Ranch seasoning mix
• Chicken broth
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Heavy cream or milk
• Olive oil
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions
• Spices and Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, and optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
• Extra Option: For a spicy kick, toss in jalapeños or hot sauce to amp up the flavor!

How to Make Crack Chicken Penne

Cook the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add in the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and the ranch seasoning mix. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Cook the Pasta

In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Then, toss in the uncooked penne pasta. Cover the skillet and cook according to the package instructions, stirring every now and then. The goal here is to get that pasta perfectly al dente, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the chicken broth.

Make the Creamy Sauce

Once your pasta is cooked, it’s time to get that creamy, dreamy sauce going! Reduce the heat to low and add in the cream cheese. Stir until it melts into the broth and becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, don’t worry! Just add a splash of heavy cream or milk to loosen it up to your desired consistency.

Combine the Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked chicken and crumbled bacon back into the skillet. Stir everything well, making sure the chicken and bacon are coated in that rich, creamy sauce.

Add the Cheese

This is where the magic happens. Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until they melt into the sauce, creating a luscious, cheesy coating for the pasta. If you want it even creamier, feel free to add more heavy cream or milk.

Serve and Garnish

To finish, garnish your crack chicken penne with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it up hot and get ready for the rave reviews!

Serving Suggestions

This crack chicken penne is delicious all on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few side dishes to round out your meal. Here are a few ideas:

• Salad: A light, crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette will help balance out the richness of the pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Serve it alongside some warm, buttery garlic bread for that extra indulgence.
• Steamed Veggies: If you want to sneak in some extra nutrition, add steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach to the dish or serve them as a side.

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Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is! You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:

• Add Veggies: Boost the nutritional value by adding vegetables like spinach, broccoli, peas, or even bell peppers. These will not only add color but also bring in more vitamins and fiber.
• Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: You can swap out the penne pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to make this dish low-carb or keto-friendly.
• Cheese Swap: Try different cheeses, such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or a cheese blend, for a different flavor profile. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even add some parmesan cheese for an extra rich taste.
• Gluten-Free: For those avoiding gluten, simply swap in gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free. There are plenty of great options available in stores now!

Storage Instructions

If you find yourself with leftovers (which can be rare with how delicious this is!), here’s how you can store and reheat the dish:

• In the Refrigerator: Store any leftover crack chicken penne in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce if it’s become too thick.
• In the Freezer: You can freeze crack chicken penne for up to 2 months. Just transfer the dish to a freezer-safe container, and when you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.

Tips and Tricks

• Pre-Cooked Chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken in the fridge, you can use that to save time. Just shred or dice it and add it in when the recipe calls for cooked chicken.
• Ranch Dressing vs. Seasoning Mix: While ranch seasoning mix is recommended for the concentrated flavor, you can use store-bought ranch dressing in a pinch. Just reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe to compensate for the extra moisture.
• How to Prevent a Thick Sauce: If your sauce thickens too much as it cools, simply add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to bring it back to the right consistency.

Why is it called “Crack Chicken”?

You might be wondering why this dish has such a cheeky name. Well, it’s because of how addictive it is! The creamy ranch, savory bacon, and melty cheese come together in a way that’s hard to resist. Just one bite, and you’ll understand why people can’t stop eating it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and reheat it before serving. Just be sure to add a bit of liquid to keep the sauce creamy.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re feeding a larger group, just double all the ingredients and use a larger skillet or pot to accommodate the volume.

What can I serve with this dish?
Crack chicken penne pairs perfectly with a crisp side salad, garlic bread, or some steamed veggies. You could even serve it with roasted potatoes for a hearty meal!

Conclusion

Crack chicken penne is one of those dishes that’s so simple to make yet packs a punch in flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a meal for friends and family, this recipe will quickly become a go-to. With its creamy ranch sauce, tender chicken, crispy bacon, and melty cheese, this dish is impossible to resist! Try it out tonight and see why it’s such a crowd-pleaser—you won’t be disappointed!