There's nothing quite like the creamy, cheesy goodness of Crack Chicken Penne to turn an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary. This dish brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, velvety sauce bursting with ranch seasoning, bacon, and melty cheese. One bite, and you'll understand why it's called "crack chicken"—it's just that addictive!

I first made this dish on a chilly evening when I needed something hearty and satisfying. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep time, I had a meal that was not only delicious but also a guaranteed family favorite. If you're looking for a quick, easy, and comforting meal, this is the one for you.
Why You'll Love This Crack Chicken Penne
Get ready to add a new staple to your weeknight rotation! This Crack Chicken Penne is everything you could want in a comfort meal—rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor.
First off, it’s quick and easy to make. With just a few simple steps, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you need something delicious in a hurry.
It's also budget-friendly. Using simple, affordable ingredients like chicken breast, cream cheese, and pasta, you can serve a hearty meal for a fraction of the cost of takeout.
And let’s not forget how versatile it is. You can switch up the protein, use different pasta shapes, or even sneak in some veggies for added nutrition—this recipe adapts beautifully to whatever you have on hand.
Finally, it’s just so satisfying. The creamy ranch sauce, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese come together in the most indulgent way, making every bite absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Crack Chicken Penne lies in its rich, flavorful ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of textures and tastes.
Chicken breast is the protein of choice here. It stays juicy and tender when cooked properly, making it the perfect addition to the creamy sauce. If you prefer, you can swap it for chicken thighs for an even richer flavor.
Penne pasta works beautifully for this dish because its tube-like shape holds onto the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. However, you can easily substitute rotini, rigatoni, or even bowtie pasta if that’s what you have on hand.
Cream cheese is what gives this dish its signature creamy texture. Full-fat cream cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a rich and velvety consistency. If you want to lighten it up a bit, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese, though the texture will be slightly less indulgent.
Ranch seasoning mix is the secret ingredient that brings everything together. It adds the perfect tangy, herby kick to the sauce, making it incredibly flavorful. You can use a store-bought mix or make your own homemade ranch seasoning blend.
Bacon adds a wonderful crunch and smoky flavor to the dish. Cook it until crispy, then crumble it over the pasta for the best texture and taste. For a shortcut, you can use store-bought bacon bits, but freshly cooked bacon is always best!
You’ll also need a large skillet or Dutch oven for cooking everything in one pot—making cleanup a breeze!
How To Make This Crack Chicken Penne

Creating this Crack Chicken Penne is easier than you might think. Let’s walk through the process step by step so you can have dinner on the table in no time.
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about a cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about a tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan for extra flavor.
Next, add diced chicken breast to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and a little extra ranch seasoning. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and add cream cheese, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning mix to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Once the sauce is smooth, return the cooked pasta, chicken, and half of the bacon to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts and becomes gooey and delicious.
Finally, top with the remaining crispy bacon and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Storage Options
If you have leftovers, don’t worry—Crack Chicken Penne stores beautifully.
Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it sits, so when reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to bring back the creamy consistency.
To freeze, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
For reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly flexible, so feel free to get creative! Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
Want to make it healthier? Use whole wheat pasta, light cream cheese, and turkey bacon for a lighter version that still tastes amazing.
Prefer a spicier kick? Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little extra heat.
Looking for more veggies? Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers when cooking the chicken for added color and nutrition.
No chicken on hand? Swap it for cooked turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even shrimp for a fun twist.
Love extra cheesiness? Try mixing in some Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese for even more melty goodness.
Experiment and make it your own—you can’t go wrong with this indulgent, flavor-packed dish!
PrintCrack Chicken Penne Recipe
This Crack Chicken Penne is a rich and creamy pasta dish loaded with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, and melted cheese. Made in one pot, this quick and easy comfort food is perfect for busy weeknights and will have everyone coming back for more!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir until combined.
- Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add shredded chicken, cooked pasta, and crumbled bacon, mixing well.
- Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the pasta, stirring until melted.
- Season with black pepper and garnish with green onions.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick prep option.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese for a lighter version.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra spice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
Leave a Reply