Tangy & Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe For Family Dinners

Creamy and irresistible, this crack chicken penne delivers a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more.

Comfort meets excitement in a dish packed with bold ingredients and simple charm.

Home cooks adore how quickly this meal comes together without complicated techniques.

Juicy chicken pieces mingle with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a seriously addictive combination.

Rich, cheesy sauce blankets every single noodle with incredible depth and warmth.

Weeknight dinners just got an unexpected upgrade that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that promises pure deliciousness in every single bite.

Why Crack Chicken Penne Is Utterly Addictive

• Speedy Satisfaction: Craft a delicious meal in minimal steps with simple ingredients that come together quickly for a crowd-pleasing dinner.
• Comfort Food Champion: Rich, creamy sauce with tender chicken and crispy bacon delivers ultimate comfort and indulgence in every single bite.
• Kid-Approved Delight: Cheesy pasta with familiar flavors makes this dish a total winner for picky eaters and the whole family, guaranteeing clean plates and happy smiles.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and straightforward cooking technique mean less cleanup and more enjoyment, perfect for busy weeknight cooking or casual gatherings.

What Goes Into Crack Chicken Penne Magic

• Penne Pasta: A classic pasta shape perfect for holding the creamy sauce and other ingredients.
• Chicken: Shredded chicken provides protein and adds substantial flavor to the dish.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich and smooth base for the sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp flavor and extra creaminess to the pasta.

• Bacon, Ranch Seasoning Mix: Brings a savory and tangy profile to the entire dish.
• Onion, Garlic: Provides a foundational aromatic base that deepens the overall taste.

• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Creates a luscious and silky sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the aromatics and prevent sticking.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the rich and creamy dish.

How To Make Creamy Crack Chicken Penne

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook penne pasta according to package directions. Drain water and set pasta aside in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Cream Sauce

• Softened cream cheese
• Ranch seasoning mix

Stir continuously until the mixture transforms into a silky, smooth sauce.

Step 4: Build Sauce Layers

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Stir constantly until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes velvety.

Step 5: Incorporate Protein and Cheese

• Shredded chicken
• Half of the cooked bacon
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Stir until cheese melts completely and ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked penne to the skillet. Gently toss until every pasta piece is generously coated with the creamy chicken mixture.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle remaining bacon pieces and fresh chopped parsley on top. Serve immediately while hot and deliciously creamy.

Tips To Make It Rich And Irresistible

• Choose lower-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels in the dish.
• Swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed alternative.
• Chop bacon into smaller pieces for more even distribution throughout the pasta.
• Consider using rotisserie chicken for faster preparation and added flavor depth.
• Prepare extra sauce and store separately to prevent pasta from getting soggy when reheating leftovers.

Flavor Twists On Classic Crack Chicken

• Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne: Add hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture for a spicy kick, topped with blue cheese crumbles.
• Mediterranean Chicken Penne: Replace ranch seasoning with dried oregano and basil, mix in sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese.
• Smoky Southwestern Chicken Penne: Incorporate taco seasoning, add roasted corn, black beans, and garnish with chopped cilantro.
• Pesto Chicken Penne: Swap ranch seasoning for homemade basil pesto, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and extra parmesan cheese.

What To Serve With Crack Chicken Penne

• Elevate Cheese Pairing: Match this creamy, rich dish with a crisp, aged white cheddar on the side to complement the melted cheddar in the recipe.
• Refresh with Wine: Select a light, slightly acidic Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the heaviness and balance the creamy sauce's richness.
• Crunch with Salad: Prepare a tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a bright, fresh contrast to the decadent pasta dish.
• Bacon Beverage Boost: Enjoy a cold, hoppy craft beer like an IPA that can stand up to the smoky bacon and creamy chicken flavors.

Keep Crack Chicken Penne Fresh & Flavorful

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Microwave Reheating: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Stovetop Revival: Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little extra chicken broth or cream to restore creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Freezing Option: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Crack Chicken Penne FAQs Answered

• What is ranch seasoning mix?

A blend of dried herbs and spices like dill, chives, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder that adds tangy, zesty flavor to dishes.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time in shredding chicken from scratch.

• Is this dish considered spicy?

No, crack chicken penne is creamy and savory with mild flavor profiles from ranch seasoning and cheese.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Substitute heavy cream with milk, use low-fat cream cheese, and add extra vegetables like spinach or broccoli to increase nutritional value.

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy, cheesy crack chicken penne delivers pure comfort with its irresistible blend of tender pasta and zesty chicken. Hearty flavors meld together, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that will quickly become a family favorite for you.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Pasta:

• 1 pound (454 grams) penne pasta
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Cheese:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Seasonings and Extras:

• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 3/4 cup cooked bacon, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Boil penne pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Reduce heat to low and incorporate softened cream cheese with ranch seasoning, whisking until a smooth, velvety consistency develops.
4. Stream chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, stirring consistently to create a luxurious, slightly thickened sauce.
5. Fold shredded chicken, crispy bacon pieces, and cheddar cheese into the creamy mixture, ensuring even distribution and complete cheese melting.
6. Introduce cooked penne to the skillet, gently tossing to ensure each pasta strand is lavishly coated with the rich, savory sauce.
7. Sprinkle remaining bacon fragments and freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a vibrant, textural finish before serving hot.

Notes

• Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt to reduce calories and add protein, creating a lighter version of the dish.
• Opt for whole wheat penne to boost fiber content and make the recipe more nutritionally dense.
• Customize protein options by using rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for flexible meal preparation.
• Prepare sauce and chicken mixture ahead of time, storing separately in refrigerator for convenient weeknight meal assembly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg