If you’re looking for a comforting, creamy pasta dish that combines rich flavors and textures, then Crack Chicken Penne is the ultimate recipe you need to try. With crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and a luscious cream cheese-based sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or even just a cozy night in. The hearty penne pasta absorbs the flavorful sauce, creating an unforgettable meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Let’s walk through this easy-to-make recipe step by step!
Why You’ll Love This Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
Crack Chicken Penne is a perfect blend of savory, creamy, and cheesy goodness. The combination of ingredients creates a flavor profile that’s irresistible. What makes this dish even better is that it comes together in just 45 minutes, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. Plus, the recipe serves four, so it’s ideal for a small family or intimate dinner party.
Key Ingredients for Crack Chicken Penne
To make this dish, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements that come together to create a creamy, cheesy masterpiece:
- 6 slices smoked bacon: Bacon adds a crispy, smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish. The crispiness contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce, adding texture to each bite.
- 2 chicken breasts: Tender, shredded chicken provides a protein-packed base that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- ½ cup yellow onion, finely diced: Onion adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the overall flavor.
- ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- 1 oz Ranch seasoning: This flavorful seasoning mix enhances the dish with a zesty, savory profile, which gives Crack Chicken Penne its distinct taste.
- 4 cups chicken stock: Chicken stock is used as the base liquid for cooking the pasta and infusing the flavors of the other ingredients into the dish.
- ½ lb penne pasta: Penne pasta is the perfect choice for this recipe as its hollow shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened: Cream cheese adds richness and creaminess, creating the base for the creamy sauce.
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup: Cream of chicken soup enhances the texture of the sauce and contributes to the overall flavor.
- 8 oz Colby jack cheese, shredded: Colby jack cheese is a great melting cheese that adds flavor and smoothness to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley is used as a garnish to add a touch of color and freshness to this rich dish.
Directions: Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crack Chicken Penne
Making Crack Chicken Penne is a straightforward process, but each step builds upon the last to create a flavorful and creamy dish that everyone will love. Let’s dive into the detailed instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon
Start by cooking the smoked bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Allow the bacon to crisp up, turning occasionally until it’s golden and crispy. Once it’s fully cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set it aside. The bacon will add a smoky crunch to the finished dish, which perfectly complements the creamy sauce.
2. Prepare the Chicken
In the same skillet, use the leftover bacon fat to cook the chicken breasts. This will infuse the chicken with extra flavor from the bacon. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set them aside to rest. After resting for a few minutes, shred the chicken using two forks. The shredded chicken will absorb the sauce and add texture to the pasta dish.
3. Sauté the Onion
In the same skillet, add the diced yellow onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is softened and fragrant. The sautéing process will enhance the natural sweetness of the onion, providing a delicious base for the sauce. This step helps build layers of flavor that will infuse the entire dish.
4. Season and Combine
Now, it’s time to add the seasonings. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and Ranch seasoning over the sautéed onions. Ranch seasoning adds a zesty, savory flavor that ties everything together. Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. As the stock heats up, it will infuse the onions with the seasonings, creating a flavorful base for the pasta.
5. Cook the Pasta
Add the penne pasta to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook the pasta for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the chicken stock. You want the pasta to cook in the flavorful stock, which helps infuse each piece with savory goodness. The pasta will continue to absorb the liquid, so be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
6. Make the Creamy Sauce
Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat and add the cream cheese and cream of chicken soup. Stir the mixture until the cream cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth. The cream cheese adds a rich and creamy texture, while the cream of chicken soup adds a hearty flavor to the sauce. Continue stirring until the sauce is velvety smooth and coats the pasta.
7. Add the Cheese and Bacon
Now it’s time to add the shredded Colby jack cheese. Stir the cheese into the sauce until it’s completely melted and the sauce becomes thick and creamy. Once the cheese is fully incorporated, add the crumbled bacon and shredded chicken to the skillet. Mix everything together so that the flavors combine evenly. The bacon adds a smoky crunch, and the chicken brings protein to the dish. This step makes the dish even more flavorful and satisfying.
8. Finish and Serve
Once everything is mixed together and heated through, garnish your Crack Chicken Penne with chopped fresh parsley. The parsley adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness that contrasts nicely with the rich, creamy sauce. Serve your Crack Chicken Penne hot, and enjoy this creamy, cheesy masterpiece!
Nutritional Information
Before you dig in, it’s always good to know what you’re eating. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content for each serving of Crack Chicken Penne:
- Calories: 500 kcal per serving
- Protein: 36g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
Prep Time and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
This recipe makes about 4 servings, which is perfect for a small family or group. It’s easy to scale up if you’re cooking for more people!
Tips for Making the Best Crack Chicken Penne
1. Use Leftover Chicken
To save time, you can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken in place of fresh chicken breasts. Just shred the chicken and add it to the skillet with the sauce in step 7.
2. Adjust the Cheese
If you want to change the flavor of the sauce, try swapping the Colby jack cheese for other types of cheese like cheddar or mozzarella. These cheeses will also melt beautifully and add a different flavor profile to the dish.
3. Make It Spicy
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers, or mix in some diced jalapeños along with the onion in step 3. This will give your Crack Chicken Penne a spicy kick.
4. Use Gluten-Free Pasta
For a gluten-free version of this dish, simply substitute the penne pasta with gluten-free pasta. There are many great gluten-free pasta options available that will still cook perfectly in the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make Crack Chicken Penne Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make Crack Chicken Penne ahead of time! Simply follow the recipe as usual, but instead of serving it immediately, store the finished dish in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of chicken stock to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I Freeze Crack Chicken Penne?
Yes, this dish freezes well! Once you’ve made the Crack Chicken Penne, let it cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken stock to restore the creamy texture.
Can I Use Another Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different flavor, you can use mozzarella, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice. The cheese will melt beautifully and add a new twist to the dish.
Conclusion: A Creamy, Cheesy Comfort Food Favorite
Crack Chicken Penne is a delicious, creamy, and cheesy dish that will quickly become a family favorite. With the smoky bacon, tender chicken, and rich creamy sauce, every bite is full of flavor and satisfaction. It’s an easy, comforting recipe that’s perfect for busy nights, but special enough for dinner parties too. Whether you’re making it for yourself or to share with loved ones, this dish is sure to impress.
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share your creation on social media! And for more delicious ideas, check out these other recipes you’re sure to enjoy:
- Firecracker Chicken and Cheese Tortellini
- Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini
Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Quick & Delicious Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crack Chicken Penne is the ultimate creamy, cheesy comfort food. With smoky bacon, tender chicken, and a rich, velvety sauce, this dish will quickly become a weeknight favorite. It’s simple to make and perfect for family dinners or any occasion that calls for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 6 slices smoked bacon
- 2 chicken breasts
- ½ cup yellow onion, finely diced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 oz Ranch seasoning
- 4 cups chicken stock
- ½ lb penne pasta
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 8 oz Colby jack cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked bacon slices until crispy. Remove from the skillet and crumble. Set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: In the same skillet, cook the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove and shred the chicken using two forks.
- Sauté the Onion: In the same skillet, add the diced yellow onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Season and Combine: Add the salt, black pepper, and Ranch seasoning to the onions. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the penne pasta to the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the stock.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Once the pasta is cooked, lower the heat and add the cream cheese and cream of chicken soup. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the Cheese and Bacon: Stir in the shredded Colby jack cheese until fully melted. Add the crumbled bacon and shredded chicken to the skillet, mixing everything together.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your Crack Chicken Penne—a creamy, cheesy masterpiece perfect for any dinner table!
Notes
- For an extra creamy texture, you can use full-fat cream cheese.
- Feel free to swap the penne pasta for any pasta shape of your choice.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Crack chicken penne, creamy chicken pasta, cheesy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, comfort food