If you love comfort food with bold flavors, this Crack Chicken Penne is about to become your new favorite meal! This dish combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy, cheesy ranch sauce—all in one skillet.
Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep, this recipe is easy to make and ready in just 30 minutes. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser—one bite, and you’ll see why it’s called “crack” chicken!
Let’s get cooking! Creamy, cheesy pasta goodness awaits!
Why You’ll Love This Crack Chicken Penne
- Ultra Creamy & Cheesy – A rich sauce made with cream cheese, ranch, and melted cheddar.
- Bacon + Chicken Combo – Crispy bacon and tender chicken make the perfect duo.
- One-Pan Meal – Everything cooks in one skillet for easy cleanup.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes—great for busy nights!
- Kid-Approved – Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor.
What Does Crack Chicken Penne Taste Like?
Imagine creamy, cheesy pasta with smoky bacon, juicy chicken, and tangy ranch seasoning—all in one comforting dish! It’s savory, slightly tangy, and incredibly rich, with each bite packed with bold, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients for Crack Chicken Penne
For the Pasta Dish:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or pot
- Tongs or spatula
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
- Pasta Swap – Use rotini, rigatoni, or bowtie pasta instead of penne.
- Lighter Option – Use Greek yogurt or light cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese.
- Extra Veggies – Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Dairy-Free Version – Use coconut cream & dairy-free cheese alternatives.
How to Make Delicious Crack Chicken Penne
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan.
3. Cook the Chicken
In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce
Reduce heat to low and add chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir in the ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and half of the cheddar cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Stir everything together, coating the pasta in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top and cover for 2-3 minutes, letting the cheese melt.
6. Serve & Garnish
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
💡 Serving Tip: Pair with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies for a complete meal!
Expert Tips for the Best Crack Chicken Penne
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Keep it al dente so it holds up in the creamy sauce.
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese – It melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Adjust Ranch Flavor – Start with half a packet of ranch seasoning and add more if needed.
- Let the Cheese Melt Naturally – Cover the skillet for a few minutes instead of stirring aggressively.
What to Serve with Crack Chicken Penne
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce!
- Steamed Broccoli or Roasted Asparagus – Adds a fresh, healthy balance.
- Caesar Salad – A crunchy, refreshing side.
- Cornbread – A sweet & savory pairing for a Southern touch.
How to Store & Reheat Crack Chicken Penne
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep everything except the pasta, then reheat and mix in fresh-cooked pasta before serving.
2. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
3. What’s the best way to make this dish extra creamy?
Use full-fat cream cheese and freshly shredded cheese for the best texture.
4. Can I make this in the Instant Pot?
Yes! Sauté the bacon & chicken first, then pressure cook everything except the cheese for 5 minutes on high. Stir in cheese at the end.
5. How do I make this dish less rich?
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half and use light cream cheese.
Final Thoughts
This Delicious Crack Chicken Penne is creamy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible! With its bold ranch flavor, crispy bacon, and rich sauce, it’s a meal the whole family will love. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is always a winner.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turned out! Share your creations on Pinterest and leave a review below—I’d love to hear from you!
More Comfort Food Recipes to Try
- Strawberry Buttermilk Pound Cake – A Moist & Flavorful Delight – Soft, buttery, and packed with fresh strawberry flavor!
- Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta – A spicy, rich dish with bold flavors.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp & Rice – A quick, garlicky, buttery shrimp dish.
Happy cooking! 🍝🧀✨