Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s bursting with flavor and super easy to make, then this Creamy Crack Chicken Penne is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chunks of chicken nestled in a luscious, cheesy sauce infused with ranch seasoning and crispy bacon bits, all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of creamy, cheesy goodness that will quickly become a beloved favorite in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in creating that perfect balance of creaminess, savoriness, and texture. The beauty of making Creamy Crack Chicken Penne lies in its simplicity—each item enhances the dish without overshadowing the others, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors and colors.

• 4 strips frozen bacon: Adds crispy, smoky crunch that elevates the dish.
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides tender, juicy protein bites.
• 1 ounce ranch seasoning mix (1 packet): Infuses the dish with tangy, herby goodness.
• 8 ounces dry penne pasta (½ box): The perfect sturdy pasta to hold onto that creamy sauce.
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: A flavorful, light cooking liquid for the pasta.
• 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature): Creates the irresistibly silky base of the sauce.
• 1½ cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Adds sharp, melty cheese flavor both inside and on top.
• 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings delightful gooeyness and stretchiness.
• Optional freshly grated Parmesan cheese: For an extra salty, nutty finishing touch.
• Optional fresh parsley: Adds vibrant color and fresh herbal notes.

How to Make Creamy Crack Chicken Penne

Step 1: Cook the Bacon Until Crispy

Start by heating a large sauté pan or cast iron skillet over medium heat and cook the frozen bacon strips. The crispiness of the bacon is important because it adds a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta later. Once the bacon is perfectly crisp, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, but keep the flavorful bacon fat right in the skillet.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

In that same skillet with the bacon fat, add your bite-sized chicken pieces. Cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes until they start to brown, locking in their juicy flavor. This step builds a fantastic base for your creamy sauce while ensuring the chicken is tender and full of flavor.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken, stirring to coat every piece well. The ranch seasoning is what truly transforms this dish, giving it that signature tangy and herby personality that pairs beautifully with the creamy elements.

Step 4: Add Pasta and Broth, Then Cook

Next, add your dry penne pasta right into the skillet and pour in the chicken broth. Give everything a good stir and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes. This one-pot pasta method allows the noodles to absorb all those savory flavors while becoming perfectly tender, just past al dente. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Stir in Cream Cheese

With the lid off, add the room-temperature cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese melts completely into the broth, creating a rich, velvety sauce that clings to every piece of penne and chicken. This step is the heart of what makes this dish so irresistibly creamy.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Bacon Crumbles

Now it’s time to return to some of that cheesy magic. Stir in the crispy bacon crumbles along with 1 cup each of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Mix well until everything is melted and beautifully combined. The blend of cheddar and mozzarella offers the perfect mix of sharpness and gooey stretch, making every bite a cheesy delight.

Step 7: Melt the Topping Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta and cover the skillet with the lid for about a minute. This allows the cheese on top to melt nicely, creating a gorgeous cheesy crust that invites you in before the creamy depths below.

How to Serve Creamy Crack Chicken Penne

Garnishes

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a fantastic finish, adding a salty, nutty kick that complements the creaminess perfectly. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and a subtle herbal brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully. These garnishes elevate the dish into something restaurant-quality without any extra fuss.

Side Dishes

Since Creamy Crack Chicken Penne is so rich and hearty, pairing it with crisp, fresh sides works wonderfully. Think a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables for a balanced, satisfying meal. Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls also make a lovely companion to mop up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or special occasions, serving Creamy Crack Chicken Penne in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets makes the presentation feel extra cozy and inviting. Garnish each serving with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of cheese right before serving for that wow factor. You can even broil it briefly to create a bubbly, golden crust on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the Creamy Crack Chicken Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to three days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or second dinners. Just give it a good stir before reheating to revive the creamy texture.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the pasta might change slightly after freezing, so it’s best to freeze in small portions and thaw gently in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the Creamy Crack Chicken Penne gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Stir frequently to maintain that creamy consistency and avoid drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bacon instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh bacon works just as well and might even cook a little faster. Just cook it until crispy and proceed with the recipe as usual. Frozen bacon is a convenience hack but fresh remains a great choice.

Is there a substitute for the ranch seasoning mix?

If you don’t have a ranch mix on hand, you can create a simple blend of dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This DIY ranch mix will give you a similar flavor essence.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Definitely! While penne is ideal for its shape and sturdiness, other pasta types like rotini, farfalle, or shells would also hold the creamy sauce beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta shape.

How do I make this dish dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative and use lactose-free or plant-based cheeses. The flavor profile will change slightly, but you can still enjoy a tasty creamy penne dish.

Can this recipe be made in advance for a crowd?

Yes! You can prepare most of the dish ahead, then gently reheat it before serving. Making this ahead saves stress and the creamy sauce holds up well with reheating, especially if stirred with a little extra broth or cream.

Final Thoughts

Cooking Creamy Crack Chicken Penne is like wrapping yourself in a warm, cheesy hug. Every bite promises comfort and deliciousness that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re feeding the family or impressing friends, this recipe is sure to please with its simple ingredients, easy method, and unforgettable flavor. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your go-to weeknight favorites!

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