Description
Looking for the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy, cheesy indulgence with the savory goodness of bacon and chicken? This Crack Chicken Penne hits every note — rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor. It’s the perfect easy dinner idea for busy weeknights or when you just need a bowl of pure comfort. Ready in about 30 minutes, this quick dinner recipe is ideal for families, cozy nights, or even meal prep. Whether you’re searching for dinner ideas, a quick pasta fix, or a hearty meal that feeds a crowd, this easy recipe will not disappoint.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
6 slices thick-cut bacon
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
4 cloves garlic
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
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons cream cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove, crumble, and set aside. Keep 1 tbsp bacon fat in the pan.
3. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and half the ranch mix. Sear in olive oil and butter until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.
5. Add heavy cream, remaining ranch seasoning, and optional cream cheese. Simmer for 3–5 minutes to slightly thicken.
6. Lower heat and add cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted. Add pasta water if needed to thin.
7. Add pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything together and heat through.
8. Stir in most of the crumbled bacon, garnish with parsley and remaining bacon, and serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
Let the sauce simmer gently — don’t boil — to avoid separation.
Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency at the end.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: easy recipe, crack chicken penne, creamy pasta, chicken dinner, quick dinner, bacon pasta, ranch pasta, weeknight meal