Crack Chicken Penne is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich and creamy flavors with the savory touch of bacon and tender chicken. The sharp cheddar adds a depth of cheesy goodness that perfectly coats the pasta, while the ranch seasoning brings a slight tang to balance the richness. This dish is ideal for a cozy family dinner, leaving everyone satisfied. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something indulgent to treat your guests, this Crack Chicken Penne is the way to go. With a creamy sauce and crispy bacon, it hits all the right notes of flavor and texture. Plus, it’s easy to make with common ingredients, making it a go-to for any occasion.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb penne pasta, cooked al dente
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup cooked bacon, 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)
Directions:
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 3-4 minutes, until translucent and fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and add softened cream cheese and ranch seasoning to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and becomes smooth.
- Incorporate liquids: Gradually add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Add chicken and bacon: Stir in shredded chicken, half of the chopped bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and everything is fully combined.
- Combine with pasta: Add the cooked penne to the skillet, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy chicken mixture.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with the remaining bacon and chopped parsley. Serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 689 kcal per serving
Servings: 6 servings
The Perfect Comfort Food: Crack Chicken Penne
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying taste of Crack Chicken Penne. This dish is a powerhouse of flavors, combining the best elements of creamy pasta, tender chicken, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese. Each bite delivers a delicious blend of savory richness, making it a favorite for family dinners and special occasions alike.
Background of Crack Chicken Penne
Crack Chicken Penne takes inspiration from two beloved American classics: chicken pasta and crack chicken. “Crack chicken” originally gained popularity due to its addictive flavor combination of cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and chicken. People loved how simple yet incredibly flavorful the dish was, making it an instant hit on social media and recipe blogs.
Pasta lovers soon adapted the crack chicken recipe, adding penne to create a more substantial and complete meal. The penne absorbs the creamy sauce and holds the ingredients together perfectly, making the dish not only hearty but also a complete meal in one pot. The addition of bacon and cheddar cheese adds another layer of indulgence, creating a dish that’s impossible to resist.
Why Crack Chicken Penne is the Best Choice
- Ease of Preparation
One of the standout qualities of Crack Chicken Penne is its simplicity. You don’t have to be an experienced chef to whip up this dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients—many of which are pantry staples—you can prepare a delicious meal in under 30 minutes. The entire process, from boiling the penne to creating the creamy sauce, is straightforward and easy to follow. - Minimal Clean-Up
Another reason this recipe stands out is its minimal clean-up. Everything is cooked in one pot or skillet, making the post-dinner cleaning process much easier. You can prepare the pasta, sauce, and mix everything together in the same pan, reducing the number of dishes and making it an ideal recipe for busy families. - Family-Friendly
This dish is a hit with both kids and adults. The creamy sauce, cheesy goodness, and crunchy bits of bacon make it a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for a meal that the whole family will enjoy, Crack Chicken Penne ticks all the boxes. It’s also customizable—if your family prefers a bit of spice, you can easily add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to give it a little kick. - Versatile for Dietary Needs
Crack Chicken Penne is versatile and can be adapted to fit different dietary preferences or restrictions. For example, you can use gluten-free pasta to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities, or swap the cream cheese and cheddar for dairy-free alternatives if you’re catering to a lactose-intolerant audience. It’s a flexible dish that can be tailored to your preferences without sacrificing flavor. - Balanced Nutrition
Despite being a creamy and indulgent meal, Crack Chicken Penne offers a balance of macronutrients. The chicken provides a healthy dose of protein, while the bacon adds fat for richness. The pasta adds carbohydrates, giving you the energy you need, and when paired with a green salad or sautéed vegetables, it can become a well-rounded, balanced meal. You can even incorporate more vegetables into the dish—like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli—for added fiber and nutrients.
Benefits of Crack Chicken Penne
- Quick and Easy
In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to cook can be a challenge. Crack Chicken Penne is an ideal solution for busy individuals who still want a home-cooked meal. With a total prep and cook time of just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious, hearty meal on the table without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. - Comfort Food at Its Best
When life gets hectic or stressful, we often turn to comfort food to bring a sense of warmth and relaxation. Crack Chicken Penne does just that, with its rich, creamy sauce and indulgent cheese. It’s a dish that soothes the soul and satisfies your cravings for something hearty. - Customizable Ingredients
One of the best things about Crack Chicken Penne is its flexibility with ingredients. You can easily swap or add components based on your taste or what you have available. For example, you can add a smoky depth of flavor with a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or a spicy twist with jalapeños. You can even mix in vegetables like spinach, kale, or roasted peppers to make it more nutritious without altering the creamy flavor profile. - Great for Leftovers
If you’re someone who likes to meal prep or cook extra for the week, this dish holds up well as leftovers. The flavors continue to meld, and with proper storage, Crack Chicken Penne can taste even better the next day. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat for a quick lunch or dinner.
Tips for the Perfect Crack Chicken Penne
- Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh ingredients always make a difference. Opt for freshly shredded cheddar cheese instead of pre-packaged, as it melts more smoothly and enhances the flavor. The same goes for fresh parsley, which adds a vibrant color and fresh flavor when used as a garnish. - Don’t Overcook the Pasta
To avoid a mushy texture, be sure to cook the penne until it’s just al dente. Overcooked pasta can become too soft and may not hold the sauce as well, so it’s important to follow the package instructions carefully. - Let the Dish Rest Before Serving
After combining all the ingredients, let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together for a more cohesive taste. - Add a Crispy Topping
For an added textural element, consider topping the dish with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. Lightly toast them in butter and sprinkle on top of the Crack Chicken Penne before serving. This crunchy topping adds contrast to the creamy sauce, making each bite even more satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
While Crack Chicken Penne is a complete meal in itself, it pairs wonderfully with side dishes like garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables. A crisp Caesar salad or a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the creamy pasta, while roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots add color and nutritional value to your meal.
For beverages, consider serving with a chilled glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the creamy sauce and savory bacon. If you’re hosting a dinner party, you can also pair this dish with sparkling water or lemon-infused iced tea for a refreshing contrast.
Conclusion
Crack Chicken Penne is more than just a delicious dish—it’s a versatile, easy-to-make recipe that delivers on both flavor and convenience. Its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crispy bacon come together to create a meal that’s not only indulgent but also comforting. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to impress your guests, Crack Chicken Penne is sure to become a go-to recipe in your rotation.
