This creamy, cheesy, bacon-packed Crack Chicken Penne is pure comfort food magic—and it comes together fast enough for your busiest weeknight. With tender pasta, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch-infused cheese sauce, this dish delivers major flavor with minimal effort. It’s the kind of dinner that gets requested again and again because it’s just that irresistibly good.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Easy: This one-pan wonder saves time and cleanup—no need to juggle multiple pots.
Incredible Flavor: Creamy, cheesy, salty, smoky, and a touch of ranch tang—every bite is a flavor bomb.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults go wild for this. Even picky eaters clean their plates!
Perfect for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, making it a great make-ahead meal or lunch the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients to make your new favorite dinner:

Penne Pasta: Holds the creamy sauce perfectly; any short pasta like rotini or rigatoni works too.
Chicken: Boneless skinless breasts or thighs—sautéed until golden and juicy.
Cream Cheese: This is what gives the sauce its signature richness and creaminess.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings bold, melty, cheesy goodness.
Bacon: Cooked until crispy and chopped—adds a smoky crunch in every bite.
Ranch Seasoning: The secret weapon for flavor. Use a packet or homemade mix.
Chicken Broth: Helps cook the pasta and forms the base of the sauce.
Milk: For thinning the sauce slightly while keeping it creamy.
Garlic: Freshly minced for aromatic depth.
Green Onions (optional): For a little freshness and pop of color at the end.

Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun twists:

Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños to turn up the heat.
Veggie Boost: Stir in some spinach, broccoli, or peas for extra nutrition.
Low Carb: Skip the pasta and use cauliflower florets or serve the sauce over zucchini noodles.
Different Cheeses: Mix in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a flavor change.

How to Make Crack Chicken Penne

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by cooking your bacon until crispy. Set aside on paper towels and crumble once cooled.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet or deep pan, sauté your chicken pieces in a little oil until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from pan and keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic

In the same pan, add a little butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant—about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add chicken broth and milk to the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. Whisk until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Pour in the uncooked penne. Let it simmer gently in the sauce, stirring often, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken and crumbled bacon to the pan. Stir everything together and let it all mingle for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions if using.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since it cooks in the sauce, keep an eye on it to avoid mushiness.
Room Temp Cream Cheese: It melts more smoothly into the sauce if it’s not straight from the fridge.
Crispy Bacon is Key: Soft bacon gets lost in the sauce—crispy bacon adds much-needed texture.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts better and gives you a creamier sauce compared to pre-shredded.

How to Serve

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here’s how to make it an even more satisfying meal:

Add Some Green:

Pair with a crisp green salad dressed simply in lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness.

Garlic Bread:

Nothing soaks up that creamy sauce quite like a warm slice of garlic bread.

Wine Pairing:

A chilled glass of Chardonnay or even a sparkling lemonade if you prefer non-alcoholic—both complement the creamy, cheesy flavors beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight!

Freezing

You can freeze it, but the cream sauce may separate slightly when reheated. If you do, let it cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce and stir frequently to keep it creamy.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! This is a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken. Just stir it in toward the end so it doesn’t dry out.

What if I don’t have ranch seasoning?
You can make your own! Mix garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, parsley, salt, and pepper. It won’t taste exactly like the packet, but it’ll be delicious.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure your ranch seasoning is certified gluten-free.

Can I make this in the Instant Pot?
Sure! Sauté the bacon and chicken first, then add all ingredients (except cheese and cream cheese). Pressure cook for 5 minutes, quick release, then stir in the cheeses at the end.

Final Thoughts

Crack Chicken Penne is comfort food that checks every box—easy, quick, rich, and downright addictive. It’s a recipe worth keeping in your rotation for nights when you want something cozy without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try and watch it become a regular at your dinner table!

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe