Creamy, cheesy, and absolutely addictive, Crack Chicken Penne is the dinner recipe your family will beg for again and again. Juicy chicken breast slices are pan-seared to golden perfection, then tossed with smoky bacon, tender penne pasta, and a luscious ranch-seasoned cream sauce. It’s the kind of comfort food that fills your home with a rich, savory aroma before you’ve even taken your first bite.

Perfect for busy weeknights and indulgent weekend dinners alike, this one-pan pasta dish delivers layers of flavor without overcomplicating your evening. With its crave-worthy combination of creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and herbed ranch, Crack Chicken Penne earns its name—because one bowl is never enough.

Why You’ll Love This Crack Chicken Penne

Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore the bold, comforting flavors.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes and made in a single skillet.
Ultra Creamy: Thanks to the combo of cream cheese, cheddar, and heavy cream.
Versatile: Swap in different cheeses or pasta types for a twist.
Leftover Gold: Tastes even better the next day.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To bring out the best in your Crack Chicken Penne, you only need a handful of reliable kitchen tools:

Large Skillet or Saute Pan: The star of this one-pan dish. Opt for something non-stick or cast iron to ensure even cooking and minimal cleanup.
Tongs: Essential for flipping chicken pieces cleanly and efficiently.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: For slicing chicken breasts evenly and chopping herbs or bacon.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for stirring the sauce and scraping up all the delicious bits from the pan.
Measuring Cups/Spoons: Accuracy ensures your sauce is rich, not runny or overly thick.
Colander: Needed to drain the pasta without losing any to the sink.

Ingredients for the Crack Chicken Penne

Chicken Breasts – Boneless and skinless, these are the protein centerpiece.
Penne Pasta – Perfect shape for holding onto the creamy sauce.
Cream Cheese – Gives the sauce its rich, luscious body.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Adds sharpness and bold cheesy depth.
Heavy Cream – Makes everything extra smooth and indulgent.
Ranch Seasoning Mix – The flavor-packed shortcut that ties the whole dish together.
Garlic Powder – Adds aromatic warmth.
Paprika – A hint of smoky sweetness.
Cooked Bacon Crumbles – For salty crunch and irresistible flavor.
Fresh Parsley – Brings a pop of color and herbaceous balance.

How To Make the Crack Chicken Penne

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, sear the chicken in a bit of oil until golden on both sides and fully cooked. Remove and slice into strips.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, boil the penne pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir until melted and smooth. Add the ranch seasoning, shredded cheddar, and a bit of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back to the pan. Toss gently to coat every bite in that creamy goodness. Sprinkle in the bacon and stir.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh chopped parsley and extra bacon bits if you’d like. Serve hot!

Serving and Storing Crack Chicken Penne

Serve this creamy dish straight from the skillet for the ultimate comfort meal. It pairs wonderfully with a light side salad or roasted green beans for added freshness. For a cozy night in, garlic bread is a must.

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over the stove with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 2 months, making it a great make-ahead dinner option.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is Crack Chicken Penne?

It’s not spicy at all. However, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy ranch seasoning if you’d like more heat.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and saves even more time.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as rich. Full-fat coconut milk is another dairy-free option.

What type of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or Pepper Jack are all great options.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free pasta and double-check your ranch seasoning mix is gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely! Spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms would be great additions. Just cook them before adding to the sauce.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Crack Chicken Penne, you’ll want to check out these other flavorful favorites:

Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti for baked bubbly goodness.
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese for sweet-meets-savory richness.
Golden Crispy Chicken with Parmesan Mushroom Sauce if you’re craving a creamy umami punch.
Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for a portable and garlicky twist.
One-Pot Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta when you want a smoky kick.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go classic or add your own spin with veggies or spice? I love hearing how you make these dishes your own.

Hungry for more? You’ll find even more crave-worthy meals on my Pinterest: Kitchen By Kate.