Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
Introduction
I’ve always believed that the best kinds of meals are the ones that make you feel like you’re wrapping yourself in a warm, cozy blanket. And that’s exactly what this crack chicken penne is all about. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with smiling faces, makes the kiddos squeal with delight, and leaves you with nothing but happy sighs at the end of dinner.
Before I share all the nitty-gritty details, I’d like to give you a peek into why this pasta has become a go-to dish in our home. Let’s just say if you love creamy chicken pasta, if bacon and ranch make you swoon, and if cheesy penne recipes sound like the perfect comfort food, you’re in for a real treat.
What Is Crack Chicken Penne?
Crack chicken penne is a hearty, family-style dinner that brings together tender chunks of chicken, smoky bacon, zesty ranch seasoning, and perfectly cooked penne pasta, all swirled together in a dreamy, creamy sauce. It’s the kind of one-pot chicken dinner that can turn an ordinary weeknight into something a bit more special.
Think of it as a combination of your favorite bacon ranch pasta and a comforting, cheesy penne recipe. It’s indulgent and rich, yet surprisingly simple to whip up. No fancy steps or complicated methods. It’s just pure, down-home goodness.
Why I Love Crack Chicken Penne
Over the years, as a mom of two (and believe me, kids can be some of the toughest critics around), I’ve tried a lot of recipes to keep everyone happy. Crack chicken penne quickly became a winner in our household for a couple of reasons:
- Kid-Friendly: My kiddos love the creamy sauce and savory bacon flavor. They don’t even blink at the fact that there’s chicken involved—probably because the bacon steals the show.
- Easy Weeknight Meal: I can have this on the table in less than an hour. It’s perfect for those nights when time seems to slip away faster than my toddler can scatter toys across the living room.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: After a long day, there’s nothing like sinking your fork into a plate of creamy, cheesy pasta. It’s pure happiness in every bite.
I remember one evening, after a busy day shuttling the kids around to soccer practice and helping with math homework that (confession time) I barely understood, I tossed this together. The stress of the day melted away at the dinner table, and we ended up chatting and laughing longer than usual. It’s amazing what a comforting meal can do.
Ingredients for Crack Chicken Penne
Here’s what you’ll need for your crack chicken penne feast:
- Penne Pasta: About 12 ounces of dried penne. It’s sturdy enough to hold the sauce and deliver that perfect al-dente bite.
- Chicken Breasts: 1 pound, cut into bite-sized cubes. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great, but you could also use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor.
- Bacon: 6-8 slices, cooked until crisp and crumbled. The smoky, salty bite of bacon is essential here.
- Ranch Seasoning: About 1–2 tablespoons of a dry ranch seasoning mix. Homemade ranch seasoning really takes this dish up a notch, but you can use store-bought.
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened. This creates that luscious sauce we all adore.
- Chicken Broth: About 2 cups. This helps cook the pasta and creates the base for a silky sauce.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1-2 cups, depending on how cheesy you like it. Sharp cheddar adds a wonderful tang.
- Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: ½ cup, to add extra creaminess.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of greenery on top never hurts.
How to Make Crack Chicken Penne (Step-by-Step)
Making this dish is straightforward, which is one reason it’s become such a favorite. You can whip it up on a busy Tuesday, or prepare it for a casual weekend gathering with friends.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Start by cooking your bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Once crisp, remove the bacon and let it drain on a paper towel. Crumble it when cool enough to handle.
- Cook the Chicken: In the same skillet, add the chicken cubes (season with a pinch of salt and pepper) and cook until lightly browned on all sides. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet; it’ll finish cooking with the pasta.
- Add the Pasta and Liquid: Pour in your penne pasta and chicken broth. Stir in the ranch seasoning and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
- Stir in the Cream Cheese and Cream: Once the pasta is just about done, stir in the cream cheese and heavy cream. This will create that creamy, velvety sauce that coats every bite.
- Add the Bacon and Cheese: Crumble in the bacon and add the shredded cheddar, stirring until everything is melted and combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve Warm: Ladle the crack chicken penne into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like. Serve immediately.
Tips for Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Feel free to swap out cheddar for Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or even mozzarella if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Pasta: If you’re out of penne, try rotini, fusilli, or shells. They’ll all hold the sauce nicely.
- Cream Cheese: Neufchâtel cheese (the lower-fat cousin of cream cheese) works fine if you’re trying to lighten things up just a bit.
Flavor Variations to Try
If you’re anything like me, you might want to play around with this recipe to keep it interesting. Here are a few ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in some steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms. They’ll add extra nutrition and taste.
- Different Protein: Try diced ham or leftover rotisserie chicken for a time-saving twist.
- Herb Swap: Instead of parsley, try chives or green onions. They provide a fresh and zesty finish.
Serving Suggestions of Crack Chicken Penne
Crack chicken penne is quite rich, so I like to serve it with a light side. A crisp green salad or some roasted asparagus would balance things out nicely. You could also pair it with garlic bread if you’re in the mood for serious carb comfort.
If you’re planning a gathering, consider serving this pasta alongside a simple veggie tray or a fresh fruit salad. It’s hearty enough to be the star of the meal, but versatile enough to pair well with all sorts of sides.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? No problem. Store your crack chicken penne in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the pasta before warming it on the stovetop or in the microwave. This helps bring back that creamy texture. Just be careful not to overheat it, as the cheese can separate and turn grainy.
Can I Make Crack Chicken Penne in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you absolutely can, though the texture will differ slightly. To do this, place the chicken, bacon, ranch seasoning, and broth in the slow cooker and cook on low for about 4-5 hours. About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, add the pasta, cream cheese, and cream. Cover and cook until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally. Add the shredded cheese just before serving.
This approach is perfect for days when you won’t be home until dinner and you want to walk in the door to a warm meal waiting for you.
Is This Dish Keto-Friendly?
With pasta as a main ingredient, classic crack chicken penne isn’t keto-friendly. However, if you’re watching carbs, you could try:
- Zucchini Noodles or Cauliflower Rice: Instead of penne, use a low-carb pasta alternative.
- Skip the Pasta Entirely: Serve the creamy chicken and bacon mixture over lightly steamed broccoli or spiralized vegetables.
While it won’t be the exact same dish, you’ll still get those beloved flavors.
Freezing Crack Chicken Penne
If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to do so before you add the cream and cheese. Cook the chicken and pasta in broth, add the ranch seasoning, then freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight, reheat on the stovetop, and then stir in the cream cheese, cream, bacon, and cheddar. This method preserves the creaminess better than freezing the dish fully assembled.
FAQs
It’s a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that mixes chicken, bacon, ranch seasoning, and penne pasta into one irresistible meal. Think comfort food, but in pasta form.
You cook bacon, sauté chicken, add penne and broth, then stir in cream cheese, cream, bacon, and cheddar cheese for a rich, comforting dinner.
Yes! Just cook the chicken, bacon, and ranch seasoning in broth in the slow cooker. Add pasta, cream, and cheese near the end for best results.
You’ll need penne pasta, chicken, bacon, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, chicken broth, and a splash of cream.
Not in its classic form. You can skip the pasta and serve the chicken and bacon mixture over low-carb veggies if you’d like.
It typically takes around 30-40 minutes from start to finish, depending on your stovetop and prep speed.
You can, but it’s best to freeze it before adding the cream and cheese. Add them after you thaw and reheat to keep the sauce smooth.
A simple green salad, roasted veggies, or a light fruit salad pair perfectly to balance the richness.
Add a splash of milk or broth, and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to maintain creaminess.
Absolutely. Rotini, fusilli, or shells work just as well. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
Additional Tips and Memories
When I first stumbled upon the idea of crack chicken penne, I was skeptical. Could something so simple actually taste that good? The answer, of course, was yes. The dish impressed my family so much that it quickly earned a top spot in my regular dinner rotation.
I remember one special Sunday when we hosted close friends from out of town. Their kids were picky eaters—known to frown at any dish that looked too “green” or “weird.” I decided to serve crack chicken penne along with some carrot sticks and apple slices. To my delight, the kids gobbled it up, bacon bits and all. They even asked for seconds! That moment reminded me that sometimes the simplest things—like a creamy pasta dinner—can bring people together and create memories that last.
Fun Fact: Did you know that ranch seasoning has roots in the 1950s? It was originally developed by a plumber-turned-cook on a ranch in California. According to a historical record of Ranch dressing from Hidden Valley Ranch, ranch flavoring quickly became a nationwide staple. Now, we’re sprinkling it on everything from salads to popcorn—and yes, pasta too!
Another Interesting Note: Penne pasta, with its angled ends, was named for its resemblance to a pen’s nib. The ridges help sauce cling to each piece. Want to learn more? The National Pasta Association’s guide to pasta shapes is a fun resource if you’re curious about why certain pasta shapes taste so perfect in certain dishes.
Looking for more hearty pasta dishes to bring warmth and comfort to your table? Check these out:
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe: Creamy, garlicky, and oh-so-satisfying.
- Philly Cheesesteak Pasta: A cheesy, beefy twist on the classic sandwich.
- Marry Me Pasta: Rumor has it this dreamy pasta can inspire life-changing proposals.
- Steak Pasta: Perfect for when you’re craving a heartier protein.
- For busy days, try something hands-off from my Easy Crockpot Meals collection.
If you’d like to broaden your horizons even further, consider visiting America’s Test Kitchen online for tips on improving your cooking techniques, or BBC Good Food’s pasta section for global pasta inspiration.
Conclusion
Crack chicken penne is, at its heart, a straightforward, satisfying meal that brings comfort, flavor, and a few moments of bliss to your dinner table. It’s a dish that kids love, adults adore, and guests remember long after they leave. I encourage you to give it a try. Make it on a weeknight when you need a little pick-me-up, or serve it to friends who are visiting from far away. This pasta has a way of making everyone feel right at home.
Don’t forget to come back and let me know how your version turned out. Did your family love it as much as mine does? Did you add any twists or extra toppings? I’d love to hear all about it in the comments.