Heavenly Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe — Cozy Comfort Bliss!

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that satisfy hunger and delight taste buds with crack chicken penne pasta.

This crowd-pleasing recipe combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked penne in one irresistible dish.

Cheesy, rich flavors meld together seamlessly, creating a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug.

Packed with protein and bursting with savory goodness, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.

Each bite promises a delectable blend of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make this meal a winner for busy families.

Dive into this mouthwatering creation and watch it become an instant favorite at your dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 4

Essentials to Prep for Crack Chicken Penne

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that adds hearty flavor and substance to the dish, choose fresh, boneless cuts for easy preparation.
• Ranch Seasoning: Zesty blend that infuses the chicken with tangy, herbal notes, look for a high-quality mix or make your own.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the chicken.
• Bacon: Crispy, smoky element that brings rich depth and irresistible texture to the recipe, opt for thick-cut for maximum crunch.

• Chicken Broth: Provides savory liquid foundation that adds complexity to the sauce, choose low-sodium for better control of saltiness.
• Milk: Contributes to smooth, velvety texture and helps create a luscious sauce, whole milk works best for richness.
• Penne Pasta: Tube-shaped pasta that catches the creamy sauce perfectly, select high-quality pasta for best results.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Aromatic seasonings that boost flavor profile without adding extra moisture, use fresh if possible.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy kick that adds gentle heat and excitement to the dish.

• Cream Cheese: Creates ultra-creamy, luxurious sauce with tangy undertones, let it soften for easier melting.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that adds bold flavor and golden color, shred from a block for best melting.

What to Grab for Crack Chicken Penne

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking chicken and creating the creamy one-pot meal.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring pasta and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Needed for preparing chicken and chopping garnishes.
• Sharp Knife: Used to slice chicken and chop parsley or green onions.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Help measure ingredients accurately for perfect flavor balance.
• Cheese Grater: Useful if shredding cheese from block instead of using pre-shredded cheese.

Your Game Plan for Crack Chicken Penne

• Sizzle the Chicken

Brown chicken pieces in a hot skillet with a splash of olive oil. Season with ranch seasoning to create a flavor explosion. Cook until the chicken turns golden and looks absolutely delicious.

• Create the Pasta Magic

Pour chicken broth and milk into the same skillet. Sprinkle in garlic and onion powders for extra zest. Drop in uncooked penne and let everything simmer and mingle until the pasta becomes perfectly tender.

• Melt the Cheesy Goodness

Stir in cream cheese until it transforms into a silky smooth sauce. Fold in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, watching them blend into a creamy masterpiece. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and let everything dance together.

• Bacon Blast Off

Crumble crispy bacon throughout the dish, adding a salty crunch that takes this meal to the next level. Toss everything together until the bacon is evenly distributed.

• Finish and Feast

Sprinkle some fresh green onions or parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve piping hot and get ready to dive into a comfort food dream.

Flavor Hacks for Crack Chicken Penne

• Pro Pasta Perfection Tips: Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Hacks
• Cheese Melting Magic: Grate cheeses fresh for smoother, more even melting and richer flavor profile. Room temperature cream cheese blends more easily into the sauce.
• Bacon Crispiness Secret: Cook bacon until extra crispy before crumbling to ensure maximum crunch and intense smoky flavor throughout the dish.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Replace penne with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly version that maintains the creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference – use less for mild or omit completely for a kid-friendly meal. Add a dash of hot sauce for extra kick.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Prepare the entire dish in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of chicken broth to restore creamy texture.

Presentation Ideas for Crack Chicken Penne

• Party-Style Side Plate: Create a vibrant side salad with crisp mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light ranch dressing to complement the rich, creamy pasta.
• Protein Power Boost: Top the dish with extra crispy bacon bits, grilled shrimp, or diced rotisserie chicken for added protein and texture variations.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle fresh chives, chopped parsley, or green onions just before serving to add brightness and a burst of color to the creamy chicken penne.
• Bread Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside garlic bread, toasted French baguette slices, or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce.

Leftover Wisdom for Crack Chicken Penne

• Refrigeration Revival: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Gently reheat in the microwave or skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore creamy texture and prevent dryness.
• Quick Freeze Strategy: Freeze portions in sealed freezer-safe containers for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating, stirring occasionally to maintain sauce consistency.
• Lunch Prep Magic: Portion individual servings in meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Keep bacon separate until serving to maintain its crispy crunch and prevent sogginess.
• Smart Ingredient Separation: Store cheese, bacon, and chicken separately if preparing components ahead of time. This method helps maintain individual ingredient quality and prevents premature moisture absorption.

Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering crack chicken penne delivers creamy, cheesy comfort with tender pasta and savory chicken. Simple ingredients combine for a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (100 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup (50 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• 8 oz (225 g) penne pasta, uncooked
• 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix, 1 oz (28 g)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• salt and black pepper, to taste
• fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. Sizzle Prep: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, creating a perfect cooking environment for the chicken.
2. Seasoning Fusion: Coat chicken pieces with ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper, ensuring a robust flavor infusion.
3. Protein Transformation: Cook chicken until golden and thoroughly done, developing a rich caramelized exterior, then transfer to a separate plate.
4. Liquid Foundation: In the same skillet, combine chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional red pepper flakes to create a flavor-packed cooking liquid.
5. Pasta Immersion: Add uncooked penne directly into the liquid, bringing to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and cover, allowing pasta to absorb the aromatic broth.
6. Creamy Integration: Introduce cream cheese, stirring until completely dissolved, creating a luxurious sauce that coats each pasta strand.
7. Cheese Finale: Reintroduce chicken to the skillet, then generously sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, melting them into a gooey, irresistible blanket.
8. Bacon Accent: Gently fold crumbled bacon throughout the dish, distributing its smoky essence evenly and reserving a few pieces for garnish.
9. Herbal Flourish: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions, adding a vibrant pop of color and fresh flavor.
10. Serving Perfection: Present immediately, ensuring each serving captures the dish’s creamy, cheesy, and savory essence at its peak temperature.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Browning: Ensure chicken pieces are patted dry before seasoning to achieve perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steam-like cooking.
• Pasta Liquid Ratio: Use precise liquid measurements to prevent soggy or undercooked pasta; the liquid should barely cover the penne for ideal absorption and creamy texture.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Remove skillet from direct heat when adding cheeses to prevent separation or graininess, stirring gently until smooth and fully incorporated.
• Dietary Adaptation Options: Substitute regular dairy with lactose-free alternatives, use gluten-free pasta, replace bacon with turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon bits for various dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg