Name: Crack Chicken Penne
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 8 ounces penne pasta; 6 slices bacon; 4 ounces cream cheese; 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1 cup milk or heavy cream; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; salt and pepper to taste

Creamy, cheesy, and utterly addictive, Crack Chicken Penne is the ultimate comfort food that delivers big flavor in every bite. Tender chicken breast seasoned and seared to perfection, tossed with crispy bacon, and enveloped in a luscious ranch cream sauce that clings to every piece of penne pasta. It’s one of those dishes that gets rave reviews from both picky eaters and serious food lovers.

Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply want a cozy night in, this pasta dish brings hearty satisfaction to the table. The blend of savory bacon, tangy ranch, and creamy cheese creates a crave-worthy combo that has rightly earned the name “crack chicken.” The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a weeknight staple with weekend-worthy flavor.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Crack Chicken Penne?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. They cook quickly, stay juicy when seared properly, and soak up the rich ranch seasoning. You can also substitute with boneless chicken thighs if you prefer a deeper flavor and more tender texture.

Ingredients for the Crack Chicken Penne

Chicken breasts – The heart of the dish. Use boneless, skinless pieces for quick cooking and easy slicing.

Penne pasta – Its ridges hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly.

Bacon – Adds smokiness and a crispy texture to contrast the creaminess.

Cream cheese – The base of that velvety sauce you’ll want to lick off the spoon.

Ranch seasoning – Brings that signature zesty, herby flavor.

Shredded cheddar cheese – Melts into the sauce for richness and bite.

Garlic – Just enough to give a warm, aromatic depth.

Milk or heavy cream – Helps thin and smooth the sauce without losing richness.

Butter – Used to sauté and deepen flavor.

Fresh parsley – For color and a pop of freshness.

Salt and pepper – To season as needed.

How To Make the Crack Chicken Penne

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of ranch seasoning. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon

In the same skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving a bit of bacon grease in the pan for extra flavor.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce

Lower the heat and add minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in cream cheese and milk or heavy cream until melted and smooth. Sprinkle in remaining ranch seasoning and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, boil penne pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain, reserving a little pasta water.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Slice the seared chicken and return it to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Toss everything gently to coat.

Step 6: Finish with Bacon & Herbs

Top with crispy bacon and chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve and Store This Pasta Dish

Crack Chicken Penne is best served straight from the skillet, piping hot and melty. Pair it with a crisp green salad or a hunk of garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce.

Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid freezing—the cream cheese sauce may separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What pasta can I use instead of penne?

Rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli are great alternatives. Just use something that holds the sauce well.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. You can cook the chicken and bacon ahead, then assemble everything before serving.

How do I make this dish spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

Can I use a store-bought ranch dressing instead of seasoning?

Not recommended. The dry seasoning blends better into the sauce without making it watery.

Is there a low-carb version?

Yes! Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works well—just skip the searing step.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this cheesy and creamy penne, you’ll want to try these next:

Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for bold, meaty comfort.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli – hearty and satisfying.
Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli – lighter but just as cozy.
Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup – all the flavors of lasagna in a creamy soup.
Red Pepper Rigatoni for a slightly spicy, vibrant twist.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Did you make it extra spicy or keep it classic?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Share your tips, questions, or fun variations below. And don’t forget to explore more daily recipe inspiration on my Pinterest: Life with Jam.

Crack Chicken Penne

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, savory pasta dish made with tender chicken breast, crispy bacon, ranch-seasoned cream sauce, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s a family-friendly dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes and delivers serious comfort with every bite.

Instructions

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning.

2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts until golden and fully cooked, about 5–6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove bacon, leaving 1 tablespoon of grease in the pan.

4. Lower the heat and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds.

5. Add cream cheese and milk (or cream) to the skillet. Stir until smooth and creamy.

6. Add the remaining ranch seasoning and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and sauce is cohesive.

7. Cook penne pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.

8. Slice the cooked chicken and add it to the sauce along with the cooked pasta. Add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

9. Gently toss to coat the pasta and chicken evenly.

10. Top with crispy bacon and sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish.

11. Serve hot and enjoy!