Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

Introduction

Crack Chicken Penne is a rich and creamy pasta dish packed with shredded chicken, bacon, and a flavorful ranch-infused sauce. It’s comforting, satisfying, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent without the fuss.

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 6 strips bacon (cooked and crumbled)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions (chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Step 2: Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender.
3. Step 3: Drain the pasta and set it aside.
4. Step 4: Heat a saucepan over medium heat and add the softened cream cheese.
5. Step 5: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce.
6. Step 6: Stir in the ranch seasoning mix until fully incorporated.
7. Step 7: Add the shredded chicken and crumbled bacon to the creamy sauce, stirring to combine.
8. Step 8: Mix in the drained penne pasta, ensuring it’s fully coated with the sauce.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta and stir until melted and combined.
10. Step 10: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra creamy sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or milk when stirring in the chicken broth.
• Substitute cooked turkey for chicken for a leaner option.
• Use smoked paprika or garlic powder along with ranch seasoning to boost the flavor even more.
• For a vegetarian version, swap chicken with sautéed mushrooms and use a vegetarian ranch seasoning.

Storage

Store leftover Crack Chicken Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use uncooked chicken in this recipe?

This recipe calls for cooked chicken. If using raw chicken, cook and shred it first before adding it to the sauce to ensure it’s fully cooked and tender.

What can I use if I don’t have ranch seasoning mix?

You can make a simple substitute by combining dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This will give you a ranch-like flavor to complement the dish.

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 76 reviews

Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, savory pasta dish featuring tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch-flavored cheese sauce. This quick and comforting recipe combines the smokiness of bacon with the tang of ranch seasoning, melted cheddar, and tender penne pasta for a hearty meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz penne pasta

Chicken and Bacon

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

Sauce

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Garnish and Seasoning

• 2 green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Boil Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente or tender.
2. Drain Pasta: Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
3. Prepare Sauce Base: Place a saucepan over medium heat and add the softened cream cheese, allowing it to melt gently.
4. Add Chicken Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while continuously stirring to create a smooth, creamy sauce without lumps.
5. Incorporate Ranch Seasoning: Mix in the entire packet of ranch seasoning thoroughly to infuse the sauce with classic tangy and herbaceous flavors.
6. Add Shredded Chicken: Stir the cooked, shredded chicken into the creamy ranch sauce, ensuring it is fully coated and heated through.
7. Mix in Bacon: Add the crumbled cooked bacon pieces, combining them evenly throughout the sauce for a smoky crunch.
8. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the sauce mixture, tossing gently to coat the pasta fully with the creamy chicken and bacon sauce.
9. Add Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top and mix until melted and well incorporated, creating a rich cheesy consistency.
10. Garnish and Serve: Top the dish with chopped green onions for a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot immediately for the best experience.

Notes

• You can substitute rotisserie chicken for cooked chicken for convenience.
• For a lower fat version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese.
• Adjust ranch seasoning according to taste or dietary sodium restrictions.
• Ensure to cook bacon until crispy for better texture contrast in the dish.
• Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Keywords: crack chicken, penne pasta, creamy chicken pasta, bacon pasta, ranch seasoning, comfort food, easy dinner