Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
This creamy Crack Chicken Penne is the ultimate comfort food. Tender chicken, crispy bacon, perfectly cooked penne, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and melted Colby Jack cheese come together in one rich, cheesy pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy one-pot dinner
- Rich, creamy, and cheesy
- Packed with smoky bacon flavor
- Ready in about 40 minutes
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
Ingredients
- 6 slices smoked bacon, chopped
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ounce ranch seasoning mix (1 packet)
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 8 ounces (225g) penne pasta
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 10.5 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup
- 8 ounces Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or deep skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese grater (if shredding fresh cheese)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy.
Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add the diced chicken and onion to the same pot.
Season with salt, black pepper, and ranch seasoning.
Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the onion is softened.
Step 3: Add the Pasta
Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a boil.
Stir in the penne pasta.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to low.
Add the cream cheese and condensed cream of chicken soup.
Stir until the cream cheese has completely melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Gradually stir in the shredded Colby Jack cheese until fully melted.
Return the crispy bacon to the pot and mix everything together.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Serve hot with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables.
Recipe Tips
- Freshly shredded cheese melts much better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking.
- Add a splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
- For extra flavor, top with more crispy bacon before serving.
Variations
- Add broccoli or spinach for extra vegetables.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Substitute cheddar or mozzarella for the Colby Jack cheese.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if needed.
Recipe Details
Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 690
- Protein: 41g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
- Sodium: 1,180mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the recipe completely, refrigerate, and reheat before serving. Add a little milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.
Can I freeze Crack Chicken Penne?
Yes. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I serve with this pasta?
This dish pairs well with garlic bread, Caesar salad, steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a simple green salad.
Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely! Rotini, rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle all work well in this recipe.