Crack Chicken Penne
Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy, and irresistible pasta dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, and rich dairy into a comforting one-pot meal the whole family will love.
Equipment
- Large Pot or Skillet
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta uncooked
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
- 4–6 bacon slices cooked and crumbled
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 2–3 cups chicken broth enough to cook pasta
- 1–1 ½ cups cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ onion optional, diced
- 2 garlic cloves optional, minced
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large pot or skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot.
- Add the chicken pieces (and onion and garlic, if using) to the pot. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and onions are softened.
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the chicken, then pour in the chicken broth and stir. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the cream cheese to the simmering broth and stir until melted and creamy.
- Stir in the cooked penne, cheddar cheese, and half of the cooked bacon. Mix until the cheese is melted and everything is well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with the remaining bacon and chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Crack Chicken Penne’s signature flavor comes from a ranch seasoning mix paired with creamy cheeses and smoky bacon. The dish is a comforting one-pot pasta meal that’s creamy, cheesy, and satisfying — perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Variations may include using different cheeses or adding veggies. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}