There’s something magical about the smell of creamy, cheesy pasta bubbling away in the kitchen. It wraps around you like a warm hug, doesn’t it? Meet Crack Chicken Penne, the dish that’s taken TikTok and Pinterest by storm. Everyone’s raving about it, and for good reasonwho can resist bacon, ranch, and cheddar all in one bowl?
This delightful recipe brings together tender penne pasta with flavors that remind you of cozy dinners at home. It’s simple, pantry-friendly, and feels just like your grandma’s version, but faster and without all the fuss. You’ll fall in love with these easy flavors! Full details in the blog!
Growing up, my kitchen was the heart of our home, filled with laughter and the aroma of comfort food. This dish reminds me of those bustling family nights. I’ve tweaked it for a quick weeknight meal, and trust meyou’ll love the secret ingredient that makes it irresistibly tasty!
This crack chicken penne is a creamy crack chicken penne pasta dish loaded with cheese bacon and ranch flavors. It’s a creamy crack chicken penne recipe perfect for a comforting meal. Enjoy a cheesy bacon ranch penne loved across the USA.
Ingredients
Scale
4 slices bacon thick cut
1 pound chicken breast boneless and skinless cut into small bite size pieces
1 ounce ranch seasoning 1 packet or 2 tbsp
8 ounces penne uncooked or pasta of your choice
3 1/2 cups chicken broth low sodium or no salt added
4 ounces cream cheese I used Philadelphia
2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
1 tablespoon parsley chopped
Instructions
Fry the bacon in a large Dutch oven until crisp then remove and drain some fat leaving about 1 tbsp. Chop the bacon into small pieces.
In the same pot cook the chicken over medium-high heat for around 3 minutes until it begins to brown but is still pink inside. Toss the chicken with ranch seasoning until each piece is evenly coated.
Add the penne and chicken broth to the pot and stir well then bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until the pasta is tender but firm. Stir occasionally to stop the pasta from sticking.
Stir in the cream cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and most of the cream cheese melts. Return the bacon to the pot then mix in 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese stirring until melted and combined.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese on top cover the pot and heat for 30 seconds until melted or place under a broiler for up to 5 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Category:Dinner Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Nutrition
Serving Size:1 serving
Calories:512kcal
Sugar:2g
Sodium:905mg
Fat:24g
Saturated Fat:12g
Carbohydrates:34g
Fiber:1g
Protein:36g
Cholesterol:107mg
Why It’s a Family Favorite
This Crack Chicken Penne isn’t just a meal; it’s a cozy hug in a bowl that brings everyone to the dinner table! Imagine a creamy, cheesy pasta rich with the comforting flavors of bacon, ranch, and cheddarit’s a guaranteed hit! Here are a few reasons you’ll adore it:
Easy to Make: With just one pot and simple steps, dinner prep feels relaxed, even on your busiest nights.
Kid Approved: The cheesy goodness and familiar flavors will have your little ones asking for seconds.
Perfect for Leftovers: If there are any, this dish reheats beautifully for a satisfying lunch the next day.
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at what makes this creamy dream possible! Each ingredient contributes to the comforting essence of this dish:
Bacon: Thick-cut for that perfect crispiness. It adds a smoky note that marries beautifully with the ranch seasoning.
Chicken: Boneless and skinless, it cooks quickly and soaks up all the delicious flavors.
Ranch Seasoning: This little packet packs a flavor punchdon’t skip it!
Penne: The charming little pasta hugs the sauce and cheese, making each bite delightful.
Cream Cheese: The key to achieving that velvety, irresistible sauce.
Cheddar Cheese: Makes everything extra cheesy and comforting!
Simple Steps to Make It
This Crack Chicken Penne comes together quickly and easily. Here’s how you can whip it up:
In a large Dutch oven, cook the bacon until crispy. Set aside and chop it into bits, leaving a tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot.
Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 3 minutes, then sprinkle in the ranch seasoning and stir well, coating each piece!
Now, toss in the penne and chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to simmer until the pasta is al dente (15-20 minutes). Remember to stir occasionally!
Stir in the cream cheese until melted and creamy. Add back the bacon and 1½ cups of cheddar cheese, mixing until everything is deliciously combined.
Top with the remaining cheddar, cover for 30 seconds, and let it melt. You can even broil it for a bubbly finish if you like! Garnish with parsley and serve.
Pro Tips & Variations
Let’s make your cooking experience even easier with a few handy tips:
Make It a Meal: Add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and nutrition.
Spice It Up: If you love heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes will add a lovely kick!
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to bring back the creaminess.
Cooking Time Overview
Task
Time
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Expert Says
Incorporating chicken into your CRACK CHICKEN PENNE provides not only a rich flavor but also a significant protein boost, essential for muscle repair and overall health. Pairing it with whole grain penne adds fiber, enhancing digestion and keeping you fuller for longera perfect balance for a satisfying meal.
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The Road to My Comforting Crack Chicken Penne
This Crack Chicken Penne took me more attempts than I care to admit! At one point, I accidentally reached for garlic powder instead of onion powder, which led to some very… fragrant dinner adventures. But after lots of taste-testing and adjustments, I’ve finally found that perfect creamy balance the whole family adores.
FAQs ( Crack Chicken Penne )
What is Crack Chicken Penne?
This dish combines creamy cheese, savory bacon, and ranch flavors with tender penne pasta. It’s a comforting meal that perfectly blends the renowned flavor profiles of crack chicken with a hearty pasta, making it a favorite among pasta lovers.
How long does it take to make Crack Chicken Penne?
Preparation usually takes about 15 minutes, with cooking time around 20-30 minutes, depending on your method. If using a slow cooker, it might take 4-6 hours on low. In total, you can enjoy this meal in about an hour or less!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This meal can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
What variations can I make to this meal?
You can easily customize this dish by adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition. For a spicier twist, incorporate jalapeños or hot sauce. Alternatively, swap penne for another pasta type to suit your preference.
Conclusion
You’ve simmered, stirred, and baked your way to a bowl of pure comfort with this Crack Chicken Penne. In just about 40 minutes, this creamy, dreamy dish fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and wraps you in a warm hug of bacon and cheese. Trust me, you’re going to love how it turns outyour family won’t be able to resist asking for seconds!
For a twist, consider tossing in some sautéed spinach or cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and nutrition. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try switching up the cheeses based on what you have on handthis recipe is wonderfully flexible! A little tip I picked up from my aunt: leftovers can easily be reheated with a splash of broth to bring that creamy goodness back to life.
Now, I’d love to hear from you! Did you grow up with a dish that reminds you of this? Share your stories or any photos of your Crack Chicken Penne creationlet’s celebrate those home-cooked memories together. And don’t forget to save or share the recipe with someone who needs a taste of home today!
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
