The Ultimate Crack Chicken Penne Recipe Everyone Will Love

Whipping up a creamy crack chicken penne promises pure culinary delight for hungry souls seeking comfort.

Comfort food meets irresistible flavor in this simple yet spectacular dish.

Cheese, ranch seasoning, and tender chicken create a magical combination that leaves everyone craving more.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Busy households will appreciate how quickly this meal comes together.

Each forkful delivers rich, creamy goodness that makes taste buds dance with joy.

Let’s dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe that guarantees smiles around the dinner table.

Crack Chicken Penne That Melts Hearts

• Streamline One-Pot Wonder: Prepare a complete meal using just a single pot, minimizing cleanup and kitchen chaos while delivering maximum flavor and satisfaction.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping chicken with other proteins, adding vegetables, or adjusting seasonings to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combine beloved ingredients like bacon, cheese, and ranch seasoning to create a universally appealing dish that brings everyone to the table with excitement and joy.
• Quick Weeknight Solution: Transform simple ingredients into a hearty, creamy pasta meal that requires minimal prep and cooking time, perfect for busy households craving delicious home-cooked dinners.

Ingredients for Crack Chicken Penne

• Penne Pasta: A tube-shaped pasta that captures the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a rich, savory base for the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and depth to the sauce.
• Shredded Chicken: The protein that makes this dish hearty and satisfying.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth and velvety texture in the sauce.
• Milk: Helps to thin and balance the sauce consistency.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp and melty cheese flavor.

• Ranch Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provide layers of classic, savory flavor.
• Crumbled Bacon: Offers a smoky and crispy texture to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall taste.
• Chopped Parsley: Adds a fresh garnish and bright color.

Step-by-Step Crack Chicken Penne

Step 1: Kickstart the Creamy Pasta Fusion

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Milk

Ignite the heat to medium and coax the ingredients into a gentle simmer.

Step 2: Infuse Flavor Explosion

• Cream cheese
• Ranch seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Allow the mixture to dance and bubble for 10-12 minutes until the pasta reaches perfect tenderness.

Step 3: Introduce Protein Power

Fold in the shredded chicken and crispy crumbled bacon, blending them lovingly into the creamy pasta landscape.

Step 4: Melt the Cheesy Magic

Lower the heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it transforms into a silky, smooth embrace.

Step 5: Season and Elevate

Sprinkle salt and black pepper to awaken the flavors, creating a personalized taste profile.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Shower the dish with freshly chopped parsley, presenting a vibrant and inviting meal ready to be devoured.

Helpful Advice for Crack Chicken Penne

• Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and create a healthier version of this creamy dish.
• Swap regular bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter alternative that still delivers delicious smoky flavor.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving shortcut that adds extra juicy and tender meat to the pasta.
• Make this recipe gluten-free by selecting gluten-free penne and ensuring ranch seasoning is certified gluten-free.
• Enhance meal prep by cooking extra chicken and bacon in advance, allowing faster assembly during busy weeknights.

Flavor Swaps for Crack Chicken Penne

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like cubed tofu, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free penne pasta and ensure ranch seasoning is certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute penne with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal that maintains creamy texture.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, bold flavor profile.

Serving Inspirations for Crack Chicken Penne

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Serve this creamy crack chicken penne as a hearty main course with a fresh green salad and warm garlic bread on the side for a complete meal that everyone will love.
• Potluck Crowd-Pleaser: Transport this dish in a large covered casserole for gatherings, keeping it warm in a slow cooker. Top with extra crispy bacon bits right before serving to add a crunchy texture that will have people coming back for seconds.
• Game Day Comfort Feast: Break this recipe into smaller portions and serve in individual ramekins or small bowls as a rich, satisfying side dish during sports watching parties. Sprinkle additional cheese and chopped green onions on top for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Storing Crack Chicken Penne

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store the crack chicken penne in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the flavor and texture intact.
• Prevent moisture buildup by using a shallow, wide container that allows quick cooling.
• Cover the dish with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap to seal in the flavors and prevent odor absorption.

FAQs

• What makes the cream sauce so creamy?

The combination of heavy cream, milk, and cream cheese creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

• Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with similar short pasta shapes like ziti, rigatoni, or shells that hold the sauce well.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! Crack chicken penne reheats well and stays delicious for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use low-fat cream cheese, skim milk, and reduce the amount of bacon to cut down on calories while maintaining great flavor.

Quick Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Delectable crack chicken penne delivers comfort and creamy indulgence straight from Southern kitchens. Cheesy pasta with ranch seasoning and tender chicken promises a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 (8 ounces/226 grams) package cream cheese, cubed
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 packet (1 ounce/28 grams) ranch seasoning mix
• 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoons onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Pour penne, chicken broth, heavy cream, and milk into a large pot, heating over medium temperature until gently bubbling.
2. Incorporate cream cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder into the liquid mixture, allowing pasta to simmer for 10-12 minutes until perfectly tender.
3. Fold in shredded chicken and crispy crumbled bacon, ensuring even distribution throughout the creamy pasta.
4. Lower heat and gradually blend shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until cheese melts into a luxurious, smooth consistency.
5. Delicately adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance overall flavor profile.
6. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the surface for a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch.
7. Transfer to serving dishes immediately while maintaining optimal warmth and creamy texture.

Notes

• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version that still maintains creamy richness.
• Select chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken for easy shredding and consistent protein texture.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting ranch seasoning or adding red pepper flakes for extra kick.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 499 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 698 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 113 mg