There's nothing quite like the creamy, cheesy goodness of Crack Chicken Penne to bring comfort to your dinner table. The combination of tender chicken, smoky bacon, and a rich, creamy sauce infused with ranch flavors creates a dish that’s simply irresistible.
I first discovered this recipe when looking for a quick yet indulgent meal to satisfy my family’s cravings. The moment they took their first bite, it was an instant hit. Now, it's a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime we need something delicious and satisfying.
Why You'll Love This Crack Chicken Penne
Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite comfort food. This Crack Chicken Penne is loaded with flavor and couldn’t be easier to make.
First off, it’s incredibly easy and quick to prepare. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
It's also budget-friendly. Using simple pantry staples like pasta, chicken, and cream cheese, you can create a restaurant-quality dish without breaking the bank.
The flavor combination is unbeatable. Smoky bacon, creamy ranch-seasoned sauce, and melty cheese coat every bite, making it an instant favorite among kids and adults alike.
Best of all, this dish is versatile. You can customize it with different proteins, cheeses, or even add veggies to switch things up while keeping all the deliciousness intact.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Crack Chicken Penne lies in its simple, flavorful ingredients. Here’s what makes each one essential.
Penne pasta is the perfect choice for this dish. Its sturdy shape holds up well to the creamy sauce, ensuring that every bite is full of flavor. However, you can substitute it with rotini, rigatoni, or any short pasta you prefer.
Chicken breasts are my go-to for this recipe because they cook up juicy and tender. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a slightly richer taste. Rotisserie chicken also works great for an even quicker meal.
Bacon adds a smoky, savory depth that takes this dish to the next level. Be sure to cook it until crispy, then crumble it over the pasta for that signature crack chicken flavor.
Cream cheese and shredded cheddar create a luscious, velvety sauce. The cream cheese adds richness, while the cheddar melts into a perfectly gooey, cheesy coating for the pasta.
A packet of ranch seasoning ties everything together, infusing the dish with its signature tangy, herby taste. If you prefer a homemade touch, you can mix dried herbs and spices to create your own ranch seasoning blend.
How To Make This Crack Chicken Penne

Making this dish is easier than you think, and the result is pure comfort food heaven. Let’s break it down step by step.
Start by cooking the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook it until al dente, then drain and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken breasts and season them lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Once done, remove the bacon and let it drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Discard most of the bacon grease, leaving just a little in the pan for added flavor.
Reduce the heat to medium and add cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and a splash of chicken broth to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese melts and forms a smooth, creamy sauce.
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir to coat it in the sauce. Then, add the drained pasta and mix everything together, ensuring the sauce evenly coats every piece of penne.
Finally, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir until melted. Crumble the crispy bacon over the dish and serve immediately.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this Crack Chicken Penne stores beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
This dish is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to get creative with variations and substitutions.
For a lighter version, swap out the cream cheese for Greek yogurt or light cream cheese. It still delivers creaminess without all the extra calories.
Want to add some vegetables? Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.
If you prefer spicier flavors, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce for a little kick.
Switch up the cheese by using Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a blend of different cheeses for a unique flavor twist.
For a low-carb option, swap the penne for cooked spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles while keeping all the creamy, cheesy goodness intact.
No matter how you customize it, this Crack Chicken Penne is guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy experimenting and making it your own!
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 for easy cleanup, this comforting meal is perfect for family dinners and weeknight cravings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, cubed
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine penne, chicken broth, heavy cream, and milk. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in cream cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Add shredded chicken and crumbled bacon, stirring to combine.
- Reduce heat to low and mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick prep option.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Add extra cheese for an even creamier texture
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
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