Crack Chicken Penne: The Ultimate Comfort Food Pasta
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s packed with flavor, look no further than this Crack Chicken Penne recipe. This creamy, cheesy pasta dish gets its name from its addictive quality—once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more. Combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy sauce with perfectly cooked penne, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
The secret to this Crack Chicken Penne lies in the combination of ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese, which creates a velvety sauce that coats every bite. The smoky bacon adds a satisfying crunch, while the green onions provide a fresh contrast. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress with its bold flavors and comforting texture.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, smoky, and tangy flavors with a hint of ranch seasoning.
- Texture: Silky smooth sauce, al dente penne, tender chicken, and crispy bacon create a satisfying bite.
- Aroma: The rich scent of melted cheese, smoky bacon, and ranch seasoning will fill your kitchen.
- Visual Appeal: Golden cheese, vibrant green onions, and crispy bacon make this dish Instagram-worthy.
- Skill Level Needed: Beginner-friendly with simple techniques—no advanced cooking skills required.
- Special Equipment: Just a large pot, skillet, and mixing bowls—nothing fancy needed!
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: This recipe is perfect for beginners, with straightforward steps and common ingredients.
- Category: A hearty main dish that works for lunch or dinner, perfect for family meals or potlucks.
- Cuisine: A modern American comfort food classic with influences from ranch-style flavors.
- Cost: Budget-friendly, using pantry staples and affordable proteins like chicken and bacon.
- Season: Great year-round, but especially comforting in fall and winter.
- Occasion: Ideal for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or meal prep for the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Crack Chicken Penne is the ultimate comfort food with its rich, creamy sauce and satisfying textures. The combination of ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and cheddar creates a sauce that’s irresistibly flavorful. Every bite delivers a perfect mix of tender chicken, smoky bacon, and al dente pasta, making it a dish you’ll crave again and again.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also incredibly convenient. With just 40 minutes from start to finish, it’s a quick yet impressive meal that requires minimal prep. The ingredients are easy to find, and the steps are simple enough for beginner cooks while still delivering restaurant-quality results.
Nutritionally, this dish provides a good balance of protein from the chicken and bacon, carbs from the penne, and healthy fats from the cheese. While it’s indulgent, you can easily lighten it up with substitutions like Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese or turkey bacon for a leaner option.
This Crack Chicken Penne is perfect for social gatherings—it’s a crowd-pleaser that disappears fast! Whether you’re hosting a potluck, game night, or family dinner, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s also great for meal prep, as it reheats beautifully for lunches throughout the week.
Cost-wise, this recipe is budget-friendly, using affordable ingredients that stretch to feed a crowd. A single batch makes six generous servings, making it an economical choice for families or anyone looking to stretch their grocery budget without sacrificing flavor.
The Recipe
Crack Chicken Penne
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Mixing bowls
- Colander
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 16 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving bacon grease in the pan.
- Add diced chicken to the same skillet and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Reduce heat to low and add cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and milk. Stir until cream cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted and sauce is creamy.
- Add cooked penne and bacon to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Recipe Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese and use turkey bacon.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, add a splash of milk and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
