Cozy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe: Pasta Magic in Minutes

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible crack chicken penne that promises to become your next obsession.

Rich, creamy flavors dance across each perfectly cooked pasta strand, creating a dish that speaks directly to your soul.

Weeknight dinners transform when you bring this recipe to the table.

The blend of tender chicken, velvety sauce, and perfectly seasoned pasta creates a meal everyone will devour.

Cheese melts into every nook and cranny, adding depth and warmth to each delectable bite.

This recipe delivers restaurant-quality satisfaction without complicated techniques or endless prep work.

You’ll want to make extra – trust me.

Why Crack Chicken Penne Is a Comfort Favorite

• Simplify your cooking with this single-pot recipe that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor, perfect for busy home cooks seeking a delicious meal without the hassle.
• Packed with creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and ranch-seasoned chicken, this dish guarantees smiles around the dinner table and satisfies even the pickiest eaters.
• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients or adding extra vegetables, making it a versatile meal that can be tailored to personal preferences or pantry contents.
• Delivers a restaurant-quality meal in less than an hour, providing a perfect solution for families craving a delicious and filling dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Crack Chicken Penne Ingredient List

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken: Tender pieces that absorb the bacon and ranch flavors.
• Bacon: Crispy strips that add smoky depth to the dish.

• Penne: The core pasta that carries the creamy sauce and absorbs flavors.

• Cream Cheese: Provides a rich, creamy base for the sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, melty cheese element to the dish.

• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Delivers a tangy and herbal flavor profile to the chicken.
• Chicken Broth: Creates moisture and enhances the overall taste of the pasta.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds color and a light, clean flavor to the finished dish.

Cooking Crack Chicken Penne

Step 1: Sizzle the Bacon

Place thick-cut bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.

Cook until crispy and golden brown, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Remove bacon and place on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about a tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot.

Step 2: Chop Bacon Bits

Grab a sharp knife and slice the cooled bacon into delectable little pieces that will add smoky crunch to your pasta.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Cook chicken pieces in the remaining bacon fat over medium-high heat.

Stir occasionally, allowing the chicken to lightly brown and soak up those incredible bacon flavors.

Step 4: Season Chicken

Sprinkle ranch seasoning over the chicken, thoroughly coating each piece to create a flavor-packed base for the dish.

Step 5: Cook Pasta in Broth

Add uncooked penne and chicken broth to the pot.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Manage Liquid Levels

Monitor the pot’s liquid content during cooking.

Add extra chicken broth if the mixture looks too dry to maintain a saucy consistency.

Step 7: Create Creamy Sauce

Stir in cream cheese until completely melted and incorporated, transforming the dish into a luxurious, creamy delight.

Step 8: Combine Toppings

• Crispy bacon bits
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Mix until the cheese melts and blends with the cream cheese sauce.

Step 9: Melt Cheese Topping

Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top.

Cover and let sit for 30 seconds.

For extra golden goodness, broil for about 5 minutes until cheese bubbles and browns.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Serve hot and watch this irresistible dish disappear in minutes.

Simple Tips for Better Chicken Penne

• Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispiness, ensuring each bite delivers a smoky punch.
• Monitor the broth levels carefully during cooking, adding more if needed to prevent drying out and maintain a creamy texture.
• Let cheese melt slowly off the heat to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, velvety sauce consistency.
• Experiment with different ranch seasoning brands or make your own blend for a personalized flavor profile.
• Easily substitute chicken with turkey or plant-based alternatives to accommodate dietary preferences without losing the dish's signature taste.

How to Keep Chicken Penne Creamy

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Pack cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add 2-3 tablespoons of chicken broth to restore moisture. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when pasta reaches steaming temperature.
• Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to prevent drying. Stir gently and frequently until heated through, which typically takes 5-7 minutes. This method helps maintain the creamy texture and prevents sauce separation.

Sides That Fit with Chicken Penne

• Savor with Crisp White Wine: A zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness of the creamy, cheesy pasta, refreshing your palate with its bright, citrusy notes.
• Complement with Hearty Salad: Prepare a light mixed green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the dish, adding a fresh, crisp element to your meal.
• Pair with Crunchy Garlic Bread: Serve warm, toasted garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious cream cheese sauce, providing a perfect textural contrast and additional flavor dimension.
• Match with Crisp Pilsner: A cold, light pilsner beer helps cleanse the palate between bites, its carbonation and mild hoppy flavor cutting through the dish's richness and providing a refreshing counterpoint.

Chicken Penne Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free Chicken Penne: Replace regular penne with gluten-free pasta and ensure ranch seasoning mix is gluten-free. Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening to maintain the dish's creamy texture.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with plant-based chicken alternatives like tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and replace bacon with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon for similar smoky flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Swap penne pasta with cauliflower rice or riced cauliflower. Reduce cooking time and adjust liquid accordingly. Keep the creamy sauce and cheese components for rich flavor while cutting down on carbohydrates.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan cheddar cheese alternatives. Replace chicken with plant-based protein and coconut milk or cashew cream for the sauce base. Ensure all seasonings remain dairy-free.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute with other short pasta like rotini, shells, or bow-tie pasta. Just ensure the cooking time remains similar to the original recipe.

• Is there a substitute for ranch seasoning mix?

Yes, you can make your own ranch seasoning using dried dill, dried chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This homemade blend will give similar flavor profiles to the packaged mix.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Try using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, opt for low-fat cream cheese, and use reduced-fat cheddar cheese. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or broccoli to increase nutritional value.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can partially prepare the dish by cooking the bacon and chicken beforehand. Store them separately in the refrigerator, and when ready to serve, reheat and complete the remaining steps. The dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be reheated with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy, cheesy crack chicken penne brings southern comfort directly to dinner tables with irresistible flavor. Hearty pasta loaded with ranch seasoning, tender chicken, and melted cheese promises a quick meal sure to satisfy hungry families.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into small bite size pieces
• 4 slices thick cut bacon

Dairy and Cheese:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese
• 2 cups (226 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta, uncooked
• 1 ounce (28 grams) ranch seasoning
• 3.5 cups (828 milliliters) chicken broth, low sodium or no salt added
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until golden and crispy, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot.
2. Chop cooled bacon into small, bite-sized pieces for later garnishing.
3. Sear chicken pieces in the reserved bacon fat over medium-high heat, cooking for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned and stirring occasionally.
4. Sprinkle ranch seasoning over chicken, thoroughly coating each piece to distribute flavor evenly.
5. Add uncooked penne and chicken broth to the pot, stirring to combine. Bring mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
6. Monitor liquid levels during cooking, adding extra chicken broth if needed to prevent pasta from sticking or becoming dry.
7. Once pasta reaches desired tenderness, incorporate cream cheese into the pot, stirring until completely melted and sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
8. Fold in crispy bacon bits and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until cheese melts and integrates with the sauce.
9. Distribute remaining cheddar cheese across the top, cover, and let cheese melt for 30 seconds. Optional: broil for 3-5 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley, serve hot, and savor the rich, comforting flavors of this decadent pasta dish.

Notes

• Customize the bacon by using turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon bits for a lighter or meat-free version that still delivers incredible flavor.
• Control the sodium levels by using low-sodium chicken broth and reducing the amount of ranch seasoning mix for a healthier adaptation.
• Ensure pasta doesn’t stick by stirring frequently and maintaining a gentle simmer, which helps achieve perfectly cooked, creamy texture without burning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 120mg