Crack Chicken Penne is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with savory flavors. This hearty pasta dish features tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a ranch-seasoned cheese sauce that clings beautifully to each bite of penne. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is rich, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. Using pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie, makes it a quick option for dinner, while the combination of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and ranch seasoning delivers bold, familiar flavors that everyone enjoys. Bacon adds a salty crunch, and the creamy sauce pulls everything together for a meal that tastes like it came from your favorite comfort food diner.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 lb penne pasta
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2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie recommended)
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1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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¾ cup bacon, cooked and chopped
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½ cup chicken broth
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½ cup heavy cream
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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½ onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
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Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. -
Sauté the aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant. -
Create the cheese base:
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the softened cream cheese and ranch seasoning to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and fully incorporated. -
Add liquids:
Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to maintain a smooth consistency. -
Add chicken, bacon, and cheese:
Stir in the shredded chicken, half of the cooked bacon, and the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. -
Combine with pasta:
Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss gently until all the penne is coated in the sauce. -
Garnish and serve:
Top with the remaining bacon and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy.
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 35 minutes
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Servings: 6
Variations
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for heat.
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Cheese Swap: Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or mozzarella alongside the cheddar for a different melt and flavor.
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Vegetable Addition: Stir in spinach, broccoli, or peas for extra nutrition and texture.
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Low-Carb Option: Serve the sauce over zucchini noodles or cauliflower instead of pasta.
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Baked Version: After mixing everything, transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese and bacon, and broil until bubbly.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead and reheat before serving. It’s great for meal prep.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely. Rotini, fusilli, or shells all work well.
What kind of chicken is best?
Rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, but any cooked, shredded chicken will do.
Can I make it without cream cheese?
Cream cheese is essential for the creamy texture, but you could try using a mixture of heavy cream and shredded cheese as a substitute.
How can I make this lighter?
Use low-fat cream cheese, half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and lean chicken breast.
Can I omit the bacon?
Yes, though the bacon adds saltiness and crunch. You may want to add extra seasoning if omitting it.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, the cheesy, ranch-flavored sauce tends to be popular with kids.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, cooked spinach, peas, or broccoli are great additions.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and checking that the ranch mix and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
Conclusion
Crack Chicken Penne is the perfect dish when you’re craving something creamy, cheesy, and undeniably comforting. With its rich sauce, savory chicken, and crisp bacon bits, it’s a dinner that’s sure to impress with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, this pasta is bound to become a go-to favorite.
Print
Crack Chicken Penne
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: -6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crack Chicken Penne is the ultimate creamy pasta comfort food! Loaded with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a zesty ranch-infused sauce, this easy one-skillet dinner is rich, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a cozy meal everyone will devour.
Ingredients
Crack Chicken Penne is the ultimate creamy pasta comfort food! Loaded with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a zesty ranch-infused sauce, this easy one-skillet dinner is rich, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a cozy meal everyone will devour.
Instructions
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1 lb penne pasta
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2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
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1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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¾ cup bacon, cooked and chopped
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½ cup chicken broth
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½ cup heavy cream
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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½ onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Notes
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Cook the Penne: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Sauté Onion & Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add diced onion and garlic; sauté 3–4 minutes until softened.
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Make the Sauce: Reduce heat. Add cream cheese and ranch seasoning; stir until melted and smooth.
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Add Liquids: Slowly pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until fully combined.
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Add Chicken, Bacon & Cheese: Stir in shredded chicken, half the bacon, and cheddar cheese. Stir until melted. Season to taste.
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Combine with Pasta: Toss in the cooked penne, mixing until fully coated in sauce.
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Garnish & Serve: Top with remaining bacon and chopped parsley. Serve hot.
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