5 Reasons to Love Crack Chicken Penne: Easy and Tasty

There’s nothing quite like the smell of creamy, cheesy goodness wafting through the kitchen on a chilly evening. This Crack Chicken Penne is sure to warm your heart and fill your home with cozy vibes. Loved by busy families, it’s a delightful twist on pasta that has everyone buzzing for seconds!

Imagine tender chicken mingling with creamy ranch flavors, crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of melting cheese, all swirling together with penne pasta. It’s like your favorite comfort food, but ready in 30 minutes! Plus, it uses pantry staples that you probably already have, making it a quick weeknight savior.

Started making this dish last winter when I craved something comforting after a long day. My best friend tasted it and said it was “like a warm hug on a plate.” The secret? A good stir of the ranch dressing into the sauce makes all the difference. I’ve been sharing recipes like this for over a decade, and trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Yesica Andrews

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe: Irresistibly Creamy Pasta

This crack chicken penne is a luscious and creamy pasta dish loaded with crispy bacon, tender chicken, and plenty of cheddar cheese. Enjoy this creamy crack chicken penne as a comforting, all-in-one meal that’s perfect for any dinner occasion. Crack chicken penne pasta combines the delicious flavors of ranch seasoning, cheesy goodness, and savory bacon for a truly irresistible dish. Related keywords for Pinterest in the USA, in one line separated by commas: crack chicken penne, crack chicken penne pasta, creamy crack chicken penne, easy crack chicken penne recipe, baked crack chicken penne, keto crack chicken penne, crockpot crack chicken penne, cheesy bacon ranch penne, one pot crack chicken pasta, million dollar crack chicken penne naturally

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 512

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 slices bacon thick cut
• 1 pound chicken breast boneless and skinless, cut into small bite size pieces
• 1 ounce ranch seasoning (1 packet or 2 tbsp)
• 8 ounces penne uncooked, or pasta of your choice
• 3½ cups chicken broth low sodium or no salt added
• 4 ounces cream cheese I used Philadelphia
• 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
• 1 tablespoon parsley chopped

Method

 

1. Crisp the bacon in a large Dutch oven, then take it out and drain most of the fat, leaving about one tablespoon behind. Chop the cooked bacon into small pieces.
2. Add the chicken to the same pot and cook over medium-high heat for around 3 minutes until the outside begins to brown but the inside remains undercooked. Mix in the ranch seasoning thoroughly coating the chicken pieces.
3. Pour in the penne and chicken broth, giving it a good stir before bringing the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let the pasta cook for 15 to 20 minutes until it reaches your desired tenderness, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
4. Once the pasta is ready with some liquid still in the pot, stir in the cream cheese until it dissolves and creates a creamy sauce.
5. Return the bacon to the pot and add one and a half cups of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring to melt the cheese completely and combine all ingredients evenly.
6. Scatter the remaining half cup of cheddar over the top and cover the pot again. Let it cook off heat for about 30 seconds until the cheese melts fully, or alternatively, place the pot under the broiler for 5 minutes to achieve a bubbly, golden cheese topping.
7. Finish by sprinkling chopped parsley on top and serve immediately.

Notes

• For Instant Pot: Cook bacon sauté mode until browned, remove. Sauté chicken 3 minutes, add ranch, penne, and about 2 to 2½ cups broth. Cook on Poultry setting for 5 minutes, natural release 10 minutes, then stir in cream cheese, bacon, and cheddar cheese.
• For Slow Cooker: Fry bacon, then add chicken, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and 2 to 2½ cups broth to slow cooker. Cook low 6-8 hours or high 4 hours. Add penne 30 minutes before done, then stir in bacon and cheese before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Cozy Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy goodness that warms your heart and soul.
• Family Favorite: Packed with flavors kids and adults lovechicken, bacon, and ranch!
• One Pot Wonder: Less mess to clean up, giving you more time to enjoy your meal.

Key Ingredients

This Crack Chicken Penne features a handful of simple yet delicious ingredients:

• Bacon: Adds a crispy, savory crunch.
• Chicken Breast: Tender and juicy, it’s the main protein in this dish.
• Ranch Seasoning: Infuses the pasta with a delightful flavor.
• Penne Pasta: This pasta shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Cheese: Cream cheese and shredded cheddar meld together for a rich, cheesy sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth keeps the dish flavorful without too much salt.

How It Works: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large Dutch oven, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and chop it while leaving about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pot.
2. Brown the Chicken: Add bite-sized pieces of chicken to the same pot. Cook for about 3 minutes until it starts to brown, then stir in the ranch seasoning.
3. Add Pasta and Broth: Mix in the uncooked penne and chicken broth; bring to a boil.
4. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in Cream Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in cream cheese until melted.
6. Melt the Cheddar: Add back in the bacon and 1½ cups of shredded cheddar. Combine until melty and delightful.
7. Finishing Touches: Top with remaining cheddar, cover, and let the cheese melt for about 30 seconds before serving.

Troubleshooting & Tips

• Too Thick? If the mixture gets too thick, simply stir in a splash more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
• Sticking Pasta: Make sure to stir occasionally while cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking.
• Leftovers Not Lasting: You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Serving Suggestions

This Crack Chicken Penne is perfect for family dinners, but you can elevate it by:

• Garnishing: Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley for a lovely pop of color and flavor.
• Pairing: Serve with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a full meal.

Storage Tips

Nutrition Note

This Crack Chicken Penne contains a wonderful balance of protein from the chicken and cheese, along with carbohydrates from the pasta. It’s hearty enough to satisfy cravings while being simple and wholesome for family meals.

Expert Says

When making Crack Chicken Penne, using a combination of cream cheese and shredded cheddar not only creates a rich, velvety sauce but also adds protein and calcium. The creaminess helps the flavors meld together, enhancing each bite while offering a satisfying texture that complements the pasta perfectly.

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The Path to My Savory Crack Chicken Penne

Bringing this Crack Chicken Penne to life was a delightful journey that involved a teetering tower of spaghetti and a bit too much cream on my second attempt! After countless adjustments and some messy moments in the kitchen, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that’s creamy, comforting, and perfect for family dinners.

FAQs ( Crack Chicken Penne )

Conclusion

You’ll love how this Crack Chicken Penne turns outwith creamy goodness that wraps around your taste buds like a lovely quilt on a chilly night. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a warm dinner that outshines the takeout routine.

Feel free to swap in your favorite pasta or throw in some veggies for an extra boostbroccoli or spinach would be delightful! And if you have leftovers, simply reheat them in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep everything cozy and creamy.

I’d love to hear how your family enjoys this recipe! Did you grow up with something like it? Share your delicious moments and, if you can, save this recipe for those you loveit’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.