Crack Chicken Penne

Crack chicken penne might sound scandalous, but it’s the best kind of addictive!

This one-pot wonder is loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. I can’t resist it!

The best part? It’s so easy to make and is guaranteed to satisfy. I made it last week, and my family devoured it!

It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a culinary rockstar, even if you’re just a beginner in the kitchen.

Creamy crack chicken penne pasta served in a white plate. - 2

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Why You’ll Love This Crack Chicken Penne

Here’s why you’ll be addicted to this dish:

One-Pot Wonder: This dish is a true one-pot meal. You spend less time on cleanup and more time enjoying it. Flavor Bomb: The combination of smoky bacon, tangy ranch seasoning, and creamy cheese creates the most amazing flavor. Family Favorite: It appeals to all ages, so it’s perfect for busy families. Kids love the creamy, cheesy pasta, while adults appreciate the depth of flavor from the bacon and ranch seasoning. Leftover-Friendly: Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.

Cheesy and saucy crack chicken penne pasta in a cast iron skillet. - 3

Ingredients

Here’s what you need for this irresistible dish:

Chicken Breasts: The star of the show to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Smoked Bacon: It’s crispy, smoky, and impossible to resist.
Yellow Onion: It adds a subtle sweetness and slight crunch.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: This secret ingredient gives it the signature “crack” flavor.
Chicken Broth: The savory liquid base brings everything together and ensures the pasta cooks to perfection.
Penne Pasta: Sturdy and satisfying, the ridges capture the luscious sauce in every bite.
Cream of Chicken Soup: It makes the sauce velvety smooth and oh-so-comforting.
Cream Cheese: It melts into the sauce for an extra layer of indulgence.
Colby Jack Cheese: It offers a perfect balance of sharpness and creaminess.
Salt and Black Pepper: The dynamic duo of seasonings enhances all the flavors.
Fresh Parsley: To add a pop of freshness and color!

Penne pasta in cheesy and creamy sauce, bacon and chicken, tossed in a cast iron skillet with a wooden ladle. - 4

How to Make Crack Chicken Penne

Making this dish couldn’t be easier:

Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel to drain and remove all but 2 tbsp bacon grease from the skillet. 2. Season the chicken and cook with the onion and cook until lightly browned. 3. Add the broth, seasonings, and pasta , bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until pasta is al dente. 4. Stir in the cream cheese and cream of chicken soup until fully combined. Mix in the shredded Colby jack, cooked bacon pieces, and parsley. 5. Top with the remaining Colby Jack and cover until cheese is melted. Garnish with the reserved bacon and parsley. Serve immediately.

Slow Cooker Method

Want a more hands-off dinner? Try this easy slow cooker method:

Add the chicken, onion, salt, pepper, and 2 cups of broth to a 6-quart slow cooker.
Cook on LOW for 5-6 hours, then shred the chicken.
Add the pasta, ranch, cream cheese, soup, and 1 cup of cheese. Mix well and cook on HIGH for 30-40 minutes (stir well halfway).
While that cooks, fry the bacon until crispy.
Stir the mix again, top with the remaining cheese, pop the lid on, and let it melt. Then serve with the bacon and chopped fresh parsley.

If the pot looks dry after cooking the chicken, add 1/2 cup of water with the pasta.

Cheesy Crack penne pasta served in a plate garnished with fried bacon. - 5

Tips For the Best Crack Chicken Penne

This recipe is so easy, it’s hard to mess it up, but these tips make it truly shine!

Be careful with the browning. Only sear the chicken in the bacon fat. Do not cook it all the way through, as it will finish cooking with the pasta. Fully cooking the chicken in the beginning will make it dry and overcooked.
Keep a watchful eye. Set a timer once you add the penne so you don’t overcook it. Check the pasta about 1 to 2 minutes before it should be done according to package directions.
Get shredding! Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded packaged cheese. Pre-shredded has additives to prevent clumping and doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Try a bacon hack. Place the bacon in the freezer for about an hour to firm it up. This makes it much easier to dice into small pieces.
Get rid of the grease. Depending on the fat content of your bacon, you may need to remove some of the excess grease. Leave bout 1 tablespoon in the pot to cook the chicken.
Spice it up. For a kick, add red chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the ranch seasoning.

Penne pasta in cheesy and creamy sauce with chicken breast and fried bacon in a cast iron skillet. - 6

How to Store

If you have leftover chicken pasta, follow these steps to enjoy it a second time around:

To Store: Keep leftover chicken penne in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the pasta cool completely before storing. To Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through. Reheat larger amounts in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or broth or extra cream cheese if needed to restore creaminess.

Note: I don’t recommend freezing this dish as the sauce will likely split after thawing.

More Addictive Recipes To Try

Crack Chicken Sliders Crack Potatoes Low-Carb Crack Slaw Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

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