Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

Introduction

Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and savory ranch flavor. It’s comforting, easy to make, and perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels indulgent without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients

• 6 slices smoked bacon
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 pound, cut into 1-inch cubes)
• ½ cup chopped yellow onion
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ounce packet of Ranch seasoning
• 4 cups unsalted chicken stock
• ½ pound penne pasta
• 6 ounces cream cheese
• 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
• 8 ounce block Colby jack cheese (shredded, divided into 1½ cups and ½ cup)
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (divided in half)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon for 9-11 minutes until the fat is rendered and the bacon is crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving ¼ cup for garnish. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of bacon grease from the skillet.
2. Step 2: Add the cubed chicken breasts, chopped onion, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned and the onions are tender. It’s okay if the chicken isn’t fully cooked through at this point.
3. Step 3: Stir in the ranch seasoning and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then add the penne pasta. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the pasta is tender.
4. Step 4: Remove the lid and stir in the cream cheese and cream of chicken soup until smooth and fully combined.
5. Step 5: Add 1½ cups of shredded Colby jack cheese, the cooked bacon (except the reserved ¼ cup), and 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley. Stir everything together well.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded Colby jack cheese over the top without stirring it in. Cover the skillet again and let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts.
7. Step 7: Remove the lid and garnish with the reserved crispy bacon pieces and the remaining tablespoon of parsley. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, use smoked bacon or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the chicken.
• Swap penne for your favorite pasta shape, like rotini or fusilli, for a fun twist.
• Make it spicier by adding red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeño when cooking the chicken.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter version, but add it off the heat to prevent curdling.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and avoid excess water in the dish.

Is there a substitute for Ranch seasoning?

You can use a mix of dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley to mimic Ranch seasoning if you don’t have a packet on hand.

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 86 reviews

Crack Chicken Penne is a deliciously creamy and flavorful skillet meal featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, penne pasta, and a rich blend of ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and Colby jack cheese. This one-pan dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting dinner that the whole family will love.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat & Dairy

• 6 slices smoked bacon
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 pound, cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 6 ounces cream cheese
• 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
• 8 ounce block of Colby jack cheese, shredded (divided into 1½ cups and ½ cup)

Produce & Herbs

• ½ cup chopped yellow onion
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (divided in half)

Pantry

• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ounce packet ranch seasoning
• 4 cups unsalted chicken stock
• ½ pound penne pasta

Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat, add the diced bacon and cook for 9-11 minutes until the fat has rendered and the bacon is crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving ¼ cup for garnish. Set aside the rest. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of bacon grease from the skillet.
2. Brown the Chicken and Onion: Increase heat to medium-high. Add the cubed chicken breasts, chopped onion, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned and onions are tender. It’s okay if the chicken isn’t fully cooked as it will finish cooking with the pasta.
3. Add Ranch Seasoning and Chicken Stock: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the chicken and onions, then pour in the chicken stock. Bring to a boil.
4. Cook the Pasta: Add the penne pasta to the boiling skillet, reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the pasta is tender.
5. Incorporate Cream Cheese and Soup: Remove the lid and stir in the cream cheese and cream of chicken soup until smooth and no lumps remain.
6. Add Cheese, Bacon, and Parsley: Stir in 1½ cups of shredded Colby jack cheese, all cooked bacon except for the reserved ¼ cup, and 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley until well combined.
7. Top with Remaining Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded Colby jack cheese on top without stirring. Cover the skillet again and cook for 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the lid, garnish with the reserved ¼ cup of bacon and remaining 1 tablespoon of parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

• Using a large skillet allows all ingredients to cook in one pan, making cleanup easier.
• Reserve some bacon and parsley for a beautiful garnish that adds extra flavor and presentation appeal.
• Ensure the chicken is cut into evenly sized cubes for uniform cooking.
• The dish can be customized with different cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella if preferred.
• For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese varieties.

Keywords: Crack Chicken Penne, creamy chicken pasta, bacon pasta skillet, ranch chicken recipe, one-pan chicken dinner