This Easy Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy, and ultra-flavorful dish packed with ranch-seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey melted cheese. Made in just one pot, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that comes together quickly with minimal cleanup. The combination of creamy sauce, tender pasta, and savory chicken makes it absolutely addictive—hence the name!
Recipe Overview
Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: ~500-600 kcal per serving
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, add a bit of oil and cook the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden.
2. Add Liquids & Pasta: Stir in the ranch seasoning, then add the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer. Add the uncooked penne pasta, stirring well to coat. Cover and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
3. Make It Creamy: Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth. Then add cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until fully combined.
4. Add Bacon & Serve: Stir in the crumbled bacon, then remove from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and extra bacon if desired. Serve hot!
Tips & Variations
- Make It Spicier: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Swap the Pasta: Try rigatoni, bowtie, or rotini for a different texture.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduced-fat cream cheese.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
This Crack Chicken Penne is creamy, cheesy, and packed with smoky bacon flavor—perfect for a cozy and satisfying meal!
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Easy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
This Easy Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy, and ultra-flavorful dish packed with ranch-seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey melted cheese. Made in just one pot, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that comes together quickly with minimal cleanup. The combination of creamy sauce, tender pasta, and savory chicken makes it absolutely addictive—hence the name!
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, add a bit of oil and cook the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden.
2. Add Liquids & Pasta: Stir in the ranch seasoning, then add the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer. Add the uncooked penne pasta, stirring well to coat. Cover and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
3. Make It Creamy: Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth. Then add cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until fully combined.
4. Add Bacon & Serve: Stir in the crumbled bacon, then remove from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and extra bacon if desired. Serve hot!
Notes
- Make It Spicier: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Swap the Pasta: Try rigatoni, bowtie, or rotini for a different texture.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduced-fat cream cheese.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~500-600 kcal per serving