Go Back
+ servings
Crack Chicken Penne

Crack Chicken Penne: The Creamy Comfort Food You Crave

Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, comforting dish combining tender pasta, shredded chicken, and crispy bacon, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Penne Pasta Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
For the Chicken
  • 2 cups Cooked Chicken (shredded) Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
For the Sauce
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese Low-fat can be substituted but may alter richness.
  • 1 packet Ranch Seasoning Mix Adjust amount to taste as it can be overpowering.
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Low-sodium recommended for a healthier version.
For the Cheesy Topping
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Use a mix of cheeses for varied taste.
For the Crunch
  • 1 cup Cooked Bacon (crumbled) Can be replaced with turkey bacon.
For the Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped Green Onions Chives can be used as a substitute.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crack Chicken Penne
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 10–12 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside in a large bowl.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, combine 8 ounces of cream cheese with 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix and 1 cup of chicken broth. Stir continuously for about 3–5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  3. Add 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken and 1 cup of crumbled bacon to the skillet. Gently mix everything together for another 3–4 minutes until heated through.
  4. Fold the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with your Crack Chicken mixture. Stir for about 2 minutes until heated through.
  5. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for about 2–3 minutes over low heat to melt the cheese.
  6. Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from heat and garnish with freshly chopped green onions. Serve onto plates.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For best results, use gentle stirring to avoid curdling the cheese and ensure a smooth texture. Allow cheese to melt slowly to prevent clumping.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!