Crack Chicken Penne

Creamy, cheesy, smoky, and savory – Crack Chicken Penne is everything comfort food should be. Imagine tender chunks of seared chicken breast, smothered in a rich ranch-seasoned cream sauce, tossed with penne pasta, and topped off with crispy bacon and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. It’s the kind of dish that gets scraped clean from the pan, with zero leftovers in sight.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or hosting friends for a cozy dinner, this pasta recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It delivers bold flavor in every bite, and it’s surprisingly simple to pull together with pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. Plus, the creamy texture and satisfying mix of protein, carbs, and fat make it the ultimate comfort meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Crack Chicken Penne

• It’s indulgent, hearty, and filling – perfect for cooler nights or when you’re craving something truly satisfying.
• Comes together in under 30 minutes with simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients.
• The smoky bacon and ranch-seasoned sauce add a unique twist to a classic creamy pasta dish.
• Perfect for meal prepping or storing leftovers (if you have any!).
• A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the cooking process, having the right tools makes everything smoother:

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: Essential for browning the chicken and combining all ingredients in one place. A high-sided skillet prevents spills.
• Medium Pot: Needed to boil the penne pasta to al dente.
• Slotted Spoon or Tongs: Helpful for flipping chicken and handling bacon.
• Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For prepping the chicken and bacon evenly.
• Whisk: Used to blend the cream sauce smoothly without clumps.

Each tool plays a specific role in maximizing efficiency and ensuring the texture and taste come out just right.

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Preparation Tips

Start by cooking your pasta until just al dente, as it will finish in the sauce and soak up more flavor. Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to get a golden sear. When cooking bacon, use medium heat and don’t rush it – crispy pieces add the perfect crunch to contrast the creamy sauce. Be sure to whisk your cream sauce gently over medium heat to avoid curdling, and taste as you go when seasoning with ranch and garlic. Finish everything in the skillet for maximum flavor blending before serving hot with a sprinkle of parsley or extra bacon bits.

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Ingredients for This Crack Chicken Penne

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into thin strips)
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon (cooked until crispy, then crumbled)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 3/4 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional for extra richness)
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning later.

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Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, crumble or chop the bacon into small pieces. Leave 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pan for added flavor.

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Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Season the sliced chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and half of the ranch seasoning mix. Add olive oil and butter to the skillet and cook the chicken in batches over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove chicken and set aside.

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Step 4: Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Stir in heavy cream, remaining ranch seasoning, and cream cheese (if using). Let simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened slightly.

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Step 5: Add Cheeses and Blend

Lower the heat and add cheddar and Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

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Step 6: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Add the drained penne pasta and cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Let everything heat through for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

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Step 7: Finish and Garnish

Stir in most of the crumbled bacon, saving a bit for topping. Remove from heat, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and the remaining bacon. Serve hot with crusty bread or a simple green salad on the side.

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Notes

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it also reheats beautifully thanks to the rich cream base. If you want to lighten it up a bit, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream or use turkey bacon instead of pork. For extra heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños can be added when cooking the garlic. If you’re a fan of vegetables, try tossing in some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for more depth of flavor.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the pasta: It will continue cooking in the sauce, so stop at al dente.
• Using low-fat dairy: This can lead to curdling and a watery sauce instead of creamy consistency.
• Not seasoning the chicken well: The chicken is the star protein, so it needs good flavor from the start.
• Skipping the deglazing step: All those bits at the bottom of the skillet add serious flavor.
• Adding cheese too fast or over high heat: This can cause clumping or a gritty texture. Always reduce heat when melting cheese.

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Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Avoid freezing, as the dairy-based sauce may separate and change texture when thawed.

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Estimated Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
• Calories: ~620 kcal
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 870mg
• Cholesterol: 135mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Crack Chicken Penne ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dish a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat with a splash of cream to restore the sauce’s texture.

What pasta alternatives can I use?

Rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli work well. You can also try gluten-free pasta if needed.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. It saves time — just shred and stir it in during the final step.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not by default. However, you can make it spicy by adding chili flakes or cayenne pepper.

Can I make this dish keto?

Yes, by replacing the pasta with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles, and using full-fat dairy.

How can I add vegetables to this?

Toss in spinach, broccoli florets, or chopped bell peppers during the sauce phase for added nutrition.

What kind of cheese is best?

Sharp cheddar and Parmesan are classic here. You can also mix in mozzarella for more meltiness.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Technically yes, but it won’t be as rich. Add a bit of flour or cornstarch slurry to help thicken if you go this route.

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Conclusion

Crack Chicken Penne is the perfect fusion of comfort and crave-worthy flavor, all wrapped into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that never fails to impress. With just the right balance of smokiness from bacon, tang from ranch seasoning, and richness from the cream and cheese blend, it’s a standout choice for any dinner table. Whether you’re making it for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this is one recipe you’ll want to revisit again and again.

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