Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

Introduction

This Crac Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy one-pot meal packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and comforting penne pasta. It’s an easy, flavorful dish that comes together quickly and sure to satisfy the whole family.

Ingredients

• 4 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small bite-size pieces
• 1 ounce ranch seasoning (1 packet or 2 tbsp)
• 8 ounces penne pasta (uncooked, or pasta of your choice)
• 3½ cups low sodium or no salt added chicken broth
• 4 ounces cream cheese (Philadelphia recommended)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and drain some of the bacon fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot. Chop the bacon into small bits.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes, allowing it to start browning but still remain pink inside. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the chicken and stir to evenly coat each piece.
3. Step 3: Add the penne pasta and chicken broth to the pot and stir well. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and some liquid remains. Add more broth if needed.
4. Step 4: Stir in the cream cheese until the sauce is creamy and the cheese mostly melts. Return the chopped bacon to the pot, then add 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and combines with the sauce.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta. Cover the pot for about 30 seconds to melt the cheese, then remove from heat. Alternatively, place the Dutch oven under the broiler for about 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
6. Step 6: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked bacon for a deeper flavor or turkey bacon for a lighter option.
• Substitute penne with rigatoni, rotini, or any pasta shape you prefer.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
• For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream when adding the cream cheese.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken for even cooking and to maintain the best texture.

What can I substitute if I don’t have ranch seasoning?

You can make your own by combining dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, or use a ranch dressing mix if available.

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 400 reviews

A comforting and creamy one-pot Crac Chicken Penne recipe featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a cheesy ranch-infused sauce cooked together with penne pasta for a quick and delicious meal.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat & Dairy

• 4 slices bacon (thick cut)
• 1 pound chicken breast (boneless and skinless, cut into small bite size pieces)
• 4 ounces cream cheese (Philadelphia recommended)
• 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)

Pantry

• 1 ounce ranch seasoning (1 packet or 2 tbsp)
• 8 ounces penne pasta (uncooked, or pasta of your choice)
• 3½ cups chicken broth (low sodium or no salt added)

Herbs

• 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped)

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon: Cook the bacon in a large Dutch oven until crispy. Remove the bacon and drain some of the bacon fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot. Chop the bacon into bits.
2. Cook the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the Dutch oven with the reserved bacon fat and cook over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes until the chicken starts to brown but is still slightly pink inside.
3. Season the chicken: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the chicken and stir thoroughly to coat all the pieces evenly with the seasoning mix.
4. Add pasta and broth: Add the uncooked penne and 3½ cups chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine, then bring to a boil.
5. Cook the pasta: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. There should be some liquid left; add more broth if needed.
6. Create the sauce and add bacon and cheese: Stir in the cream cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Return the chopped bacon to the pot. Add 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and well combined.
7. Melt cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese over the top, cover the pot, and cook for about 30 seconds off the heat just to melt the cheese. Alternatively, place the Dutch oven under a broiler for 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and browned.
8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and serve immediately.

Notes

• Use low sodium chicken broth to better control saltiness.
• Stir the pasta occasionally during cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• If cream cheese is cold, cut it into smaller pieces to melt faster.
• Bacon fat adds flavor but can be reduced for a lighter dish.
• Broiling at the end is optional but gives a nice golden cheese crust.

Keywords: Crac Chicken Penne, creamy chicken pasta, bacon pasta recipe, one pot chicken pasta, ranch chicken penne, cheesy chicken pasta