🧀🍗 Easy Made Crack Chicken Penne – Creamy and Cheesy

Crack Chicken Penne ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 2,700 pasta lovers)
📸 900+ cozy, cheesy photos shared | 💖 Updated June 2025

Get ready to meet your new weeknight obsession. This Crack Chicken Penne is ultra-creamy, loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and tons of gooey cheese — all wrapped around comforting penne pasta. One bite and you’ll understand why it’s called “crack” chicken… it’s THAT addictive. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you just need a big comforting bowl of happiness.

📌 Quick Glance – Crack Chicken Penne

• ⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
• 🍳 Cook Time: 25 minutes
• 🍽️ Servings: 6
• 💥 Vibe: Cheesy, comforting, totally irresistible

⬇️ Jump Ahead

• What You’ll Need
• How to Make Crack Chicken Penne
• Tasty Variations & Pro Tips
• Rave Reviews from Pasta Lovers
• FAQ – All Your Creamy Questions

🛒 What You’ll Need – Easy, Irresistible Ingredients

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

👩‍🍳 How to Make Crack Chicken Penne

Cook the Pasta: Boil penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water if needed, then drain.

Make the Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, add cream cheese, chicken broth (or pasta water), and ranch seasoning. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Add the Chicken and Bacon: Stir in cooked chicken and most of the crumbled bacon. Let everything warm through.

Combine: Add cooked penne pasta, then stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melty and completely coated.

Serve: Top with remaining bacon, chopped green onions, and parsley. Serve hot and watch it vanish in minutes.

✨ Tasty Variations & Pro Tips For The Best Crack Chicken Penne

Use rotisserie chicken for super easy prep.
Swap penne for rigatoni, fusilli, or even shells.
Add steamed broccoli or spinach for a pop of green.
Top with crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.

Crack Chicken Penne

Crack Chicken Penne is a rich and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, smoky bacon, ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and penne pasta — all tossed together in one irresistible skillet. Comforting, cheesy, and quick to make!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 760

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
• 6 slices bacon chopped
• 1 packet 1 oz ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup cream cheese softened
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Pasta pot
• Slotted spoon
• Knife & cutting board

Method

 

Cook pasta:

1. Cook penne in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Cook bacon:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 1 tbsp bacon grease in the pan.

Cook chicken:

1. Add olive oil to the skillet with bacon grease. Add diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and ranch seasoning. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.

Make the sauce:

1. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Stir in cream cheese until melted.
3. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes.

Combine:

1. Add cooked penne and bacon to the skillet. Stir to coat.
2. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

Serve:

1. Garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot!

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.

Add a handful of baby spinach or broccoli for extra veggies.

You can adjust ranch seasoning to taste for less saltiness.

💬 Rave Reviews from Crack Chicken Penne Lovers

“My husband asked if we can have this every week. So creamy and flavorful!” – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Allison G.

“The best comfort meal I’ve made in ages. Everyone loved it!” – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Katie B.

“I brought this to a potluck and there wasn’t a single noodle left. Amazing!” – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Mia P.

❓ FAQ – All Your Creamy Questions

Pair this indulgent pasta with a fizzy, fun Italian Cream Soda for a restaurant-style dinner at home. The sweet, bubbly drink complements the savory richness of the dish perfectly.