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Imagine a dish that hits all the right notes—savory, creamy, and downright irresistible. Decadent Creamy Crack Chicken Penne is just that. This recipe marries the richness of cream cheese and sharp cheddar with the savory kick of ranch seasoning, tender chicken, and crispy bacon. Tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta, it’s a comfort food masterpiece that feels both indulgent and approachable.

This dish works equally well for a casual family dinner or as a show-stopper for guests. The flavors are robust, yet the preparation is straightforward, making it an excellent choice whether you’re an experienced cook or a kitchen novice. Creamy Crack Chicken Penne is also versatile; you can customize it with vegetables, spice, or lighter ingredients to suit any palate. With its creamy sauce clinging to every bite of pasta, paired with the smokiness of bacon and the zing of ranch seasoning, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds!

Ingredients

Chicken and Bacon:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 6 slices of bacon, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Sauce:

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Pasta:

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • Water, for boiling
  • Salt, for pasta water

Garnishes (Optional):

  • 2 green onions, sliced thin
  • ½ cup chopped parsley
  • Extra shredded cheddar cheese, for topping

Instructions

1: Prepare the Ingredients

  1. Gather Ingredients: Before starting, ensure all ingredients are prepped—chicken cubed, bacon diced, and cream cheese softened.
  2. Cook Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente, as per package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

2: Cook the Bacon

  1. Heat the Skillet: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or pan, cook diced bacon over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  2. Remove Bacon: Once crispy and browned, about 6–8 minutes, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet for flavor.

3: Sear the Chicken

  1. Season Chicken: Pat the cubed chicken dry with a paper towel. In a bowl, season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Add olive oil to the skillet (along with reserved bacon fat) and heat over medium-high. Sear the chicken in batches, if necessary, to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, or until golden and fully cooked through.
  3. Set Aside: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

4: Build the Sauce

  1. Deglaze the Pan: Lower the heat to medium and add chicken broth to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan—this adds incredible flavor.
  2. Incorporate Cream Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese cubes. Whisk gently until the cream cheese melts and the mixture becomes smooth.
  3. Add Seasoning and Cheese: Sprinkle in the ranch seasoning mix and stir well. Slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, stirring until fully melted. For an extra kick, include red pepper flakes at this stage.

5: Combine Everything

  1. Return Chicken and Bacon: Add the cooked chicken and crispy bacon back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat evenly.
  2. Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss gently to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

6: Final Touches

  1. Taste and Adjust: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if needed. A touch of extra salt or a crack of fresh black pepper can elevate the flavors.
  2. Garnish: Transfer to a serving dish or serve directly from the skillet. Garnish with sliced green onions, chopped parsley, or an additional sprinkle of shredded cheddar for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips

  • Pasta Cooking Tip: Always salt your pasta water generously—it should taste like the sea. This ensures the pasta is well-seasoned from the start.
  • Layering Flavors: Cooking the chicken in the same pan as the bacon adds layers of smoky flavor.
  • Make Ahead: The sauce can be prepared in advance and stored separately. Reheat gently before tossing with pasta.
  • Creamy Sauce Hack: If the sauce begins to separate, whisk in a tablespoon of cream cheese or heavy cream to bring it back together.
  • Custom Garnishes: Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can be substituted for parsley for a unique twist.

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth, cream, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as it reheats.
  • Freezing: For longer storage, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations

  • Add Vegetables: Stir in steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or fresh spinach for added nutrition and color.
  • Spicy Twist: Add hot sauce, diced jalapeños, or extra red pepper flakes for heat.
  • Herbaceous Flair: Swap ranch seasoning for an Italian seasoning blend and use mozzarella instead of cheddar.
  • Low-Carb: Use zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or cauliflower rice as the pasta base.

Nutrition Details

Approximate per serving (based on 6 servings):

  • Calories: 620
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 19g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fiber: 2g

FAQ

1. What makes this dish “crack chicken”?
The name comes from the addictively delicious combination of creamy ranch dressing, smoky bacon, and melted cheese.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Any short pasta like rigatoni, farfalle, or fusilli will work beautifully in this recipe.

3. How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Substitute the penne with gluten-free pasta and ensure your ranch seasoning and chicken broth are gluten-free.

4. Can I omit the bacon?
Absolutely! If you don’t eat pork, turkey bacon or smoked tofu crumbles can be used for a similar effect, or you can simply skip it.

5. How do I avoid a greasy sauce?
Ensure the bacon fat is measured (1–2 tablespoons is ideal), and don’t let the cheese melt over too high a heat. Gentle whisking prevents separation.