Crack Chicken Penne is a rich, creamy, ultra-comforting pasta dish made with tender chicken, crispy bacon, melty cheddar cheese, and a smooth ranch-seasoned cream sauce. This one-pan meal is packed with bold flavors and cozy textures, making it perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or anytime you’re craving something cheesy and satisfying. The image matches a skillet-style penne coated in a thick cream sauce with visible chicken, bacon, and melted cheese, pure comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor
- One-pan skillet meal
- Family-friendly and filling
- Perfect balance of chicken, bacon, and ranch
- Great for leftovers and meal prep
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for 5–6 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and lightly golden.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Reduce heat to medium-low. Sprinkle ranch seasoning over the chicken. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Add cream cheese if using and stir until melted.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Cook gently until the sauce becomes thick, creamy, and smooth.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Bacon
Add cooked penne pasta and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Toss until everything is evenly coated in the sauce.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm directly from the skillet.
Cooking Notes
- Keep heat low when adding cheese to prevent curdling
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting
- Ranch seasoning adds salt, taste before adding extra
- Cream cheese makes the sauce extra thick and rich
- Skillet works best for even heat and presentation
Variations
- Add sautéed mushrooms for depth
- Stir in spinach or broccoli for veggies
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time
- Swap penne for rotini or rigatoni
- Add red pepper flakes for heat
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Pair with a simple green salad
- Great with roasted vegetables on the side
- Serve straight from the skillet for a rustic feel
- Perfect for potlucks and family gatherings
Tips
- Dice chicken evenly for even cooking
- Don’t overcook pasta, it will soften more in the sauce
- Reserve pasta water if sauce needs thinning
- Store leftovers in an airtight container
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approx. 620 calories
38g protein
36g fat
40g carbohydrates
FAQs
Why is it called Crack Chicken?
The combination of chicken, bacon, cheese, and ranch is so addictive it earned the nickname.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, store in the fridge up to 3 days and reheat gently.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Add extra cheese to thicken.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, but it’s great fresh or refrigerated.
Can I make it spicy?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste.
Conclusion
Crack Chicken Penne is the ultimate creamy comfort pasta, cheesy, savory, and loaded with chicken and bacon in a rich ranch-infused sauce. Easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and guaranteed to be a family favorite, this dish is perfect for when you want something indulgent and cozy without complicated steps.