This Crack Chicken Penne Recipe combines tender pasta with creamy, addictive flavors that keep everyone coming back for more.
The dish gets its name from being so delicious, it’s practically addictive – like “crack” for your taste buds.
Rich cream cheese, savory ranch seasoning, and crispy bacon create the perfect sauce that coats every piece of penne pasta.
The Crack Chicken Penne Recipe transforms simple ingredients into restaurant-quality comfort food.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting dinner guests, this recipe delivers satisfaction in every bite.
The combination of shredded chicken, melted cheese, and aromatic herbs makes this pasta dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both filling and flavorful.
When I First Introduced To
I discovered this Crack Chicken Penne Recipe during a busy weeknight when I needed something quick yet satisfying.
My family was instantly hooked on the creamy texture and bold flavors. The dish became our go-to comfort meal, especially during cold winter evenings.
Since then, it’s been requested countless times for family gatherings and potluck dinners.
Equipment List
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Medium saucepan for sauce
- Colander for draining
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife for chopping
- Cutting board
Ingredients List
- 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
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Boil water in large pot with salt.
- Add penne pasta to boiling water.
- Cook pasta for 8-10 minutes until tender.
- Drain pasta and set aside.
- Heat saucepan over medium heat.
- Add softened cream cheese to pan.
- Pour chicken broth slowly while stirring.
- Mix in ranch seasoning packet thoroughly.
- Add shredded chicken to creamy sauce.
- Stir in cooked bacon pieces.
- Add drained pasta to sauce mixture.
- Top with cheddar cheese and mix.
- Garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve hot immediately.
Recipe Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation and better flavor
- Don’t overcook pasta – it should be al dente for best texture
- Let cream cheese soften completely before mixing for smooth sauce
- Cook bacon until extra crispy for better crunch contrast
- Add pasta water if sauce becomes too thick during mixing
What to Serve With Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
- Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery bread perfectly complements the creamy pasta and helps soak up extra sauce.
- Caesar Salad: Fresh, crunchy greens with tangy dressing balance the rich, heavy flavors of the pasta dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Colorful bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli add healthy nutrients and bright colors to your plate.
Conclusion
This Crack Chicken Penne Recipe proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals.
The creamy, bacon-loaded sauce makes ordinary pasta extraordinary, while the preparation remains surprisingly easy.
Perfect for busy families or anyone craving comfort food, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results at home every single time.
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Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Medium saucepan for sauce
- Colander for draining
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife for chopping
- Cutting board
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
- Boil water in large pot with salt.
- Add penne pasta to boiling water.
- Cook pasta for 8-10 minutes until tender.
- Drain pasta and set aside.
- Heat saucepan over medium heat.
- Add softened cream cheese to pan.
- Pour chicken broth slowly while stirring.
- Mix in ranch seasoning packet thoroughly.
- Add shredded chicken to creamy sauce.
- Stir in cooked bacon pieces.
- Add drained pasta to sauce mixture.
- Top with cheddar cheese and mix.
- Garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve hot immediately.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation and better flavor
- Don’t overcook pasta – it should be al dente for best texture
- Let cream cheese soften completely before mixing for smooth sauce
- Cook bacon until extra crispy for better crunch contrast
- Add pasta water if sauce becomes too thick during mixing
