Crack Chicken Penne
Creamy, cheesy, savory, and loaded with smoky bacon and ranch flavor, this Crack Chicken Penne is the ultimate easy comfort-food dinner.
Tender chicken and penne pasta are simmered in flavorful chicken stock, then finished with cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and crispy smoked bacon for a rich, creamy pasta dish the whole family will love.
⏱ Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Difficulty: Easy
Method: One-Pot
Ingredients
- 6 slices smoked bacon, chopped
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 oz ranch seasoning, approximately 1 standard packet
- 4 cups chicken stock
- ½ lb penne pasta
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh parsley
- Extra crispy bacon
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Cracked black pepper
Instructions
1. Prepare the Bacon
Place a large deep skillet, Dutch oven, or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped bacon.
Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the fat has rendered.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
Leave approximately 1–2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot for cooking the chicken.
2. Cook the Chicken
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the hot bacon grease.
Season with the salt and black pepper.
Cook for approximately 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on the outside.
The chicken does not need to be completely cooked through at this stage because it will continue cooking with the pasta.
3. Add the Onion
Add the diced yellow onion to the chicken.
Cook for approximately 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften.
4. Add the Ranch Seasoning
Sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over the chicken and onions.
Stir thoroughly so the seasoning coats the chicken and vegetables.
Cook for approximately 30 seconds to release the seasoning’s aroma.
5. Add the Chicken Stock
Pour the chicken stock into the pot.
Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Bring the liquid to a gentle boil.
6. Add the Penne
Add the uncooked penne pasta directly to the pot.
Stir well to make sure the pasta is submerged in the stock.
Reduce the heat to medium and bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer.
7. Cook the Pasta
Cover the pot partially with a lid and cook for approximately 10–13 minutes, stirring every few minutes.
Cook until the penne is tender but still has a slight bite.
The pasta should absorb much of the chicken stock, leaving a creamy, flavorful base.
If the liquid disappears too quickly before the pasta is cooked, add a small splash of additional chicken stock or water.
8. Add the Cream Cheese
Reduce the heat to low.
Cut the softened cream cheese into smaller pieces and add it to the pot.
Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely into the pasta.
Continue stirring until the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and evenly coats the penne.
9. Add the Bacon
Return the crispy bacon to the pot.
Reserve a little bacon for garnish if desired.
Stir gently to distribute it throughout the pasta.
10. Check the Seasoning
Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Because ranch seasoning and bacon are already salty, add additional salt carefully.
Add extra black pepper if desired.
11. Rest the Pasta
Remove the pot from the heat.
Let the pasta rest uncovered for approximately 3–5 minutes.
The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
12. Garnish and Serve
Spoon the creamy chicken penne into bowls.
Top with reserved crispy bacon, chopped green onions, fresh parsley, shredded cheddar cheese, or freshly cracked black pepper.
Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Chef’s Tips
Cut the Chicken Evenly
Cut the chicken into similarly sized pieces so everything cooks at the same rate.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Check the penne a couple of minutes before the expected cooking time. It should be tender but still slightly firm.
Soften the Cream Cheese
Room-temperature cream cheese melts much more smoothly into the sauce and helps prevent lumps.
Watch the Salt
Ranch seasoning, bacon, and chicken stock can all contain significant amounts of sodium. Taste before adding extra salt.
Stir Frequently
Because the pasta cooks directly in the stock, stirring every few minutes prevents it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
How to Make It Extra Creamy
For an even richer sauce, add one of the following after the cream cheese melts:
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon butter
Stir until completely melted and smooth.
Flavor Variations
Buffalo Crack Chicken Penne
Add 2–3 tablespoons buffalo sauce with the cream cheese and finish with shredded cheddar.
Jalapeño Popper Version
Add diced jalapeños and extra cheddar cheese for a spicy, cheesy twist.
Broccoli Chicken Penne
Add 1–2 cups broccoli florets during the last 4–5 minutes of cooking.
Garlic Parmesan Version
Add 2 minced garlic cloves with the onion and finish with Parmesan cheese.
Extra Cheesy Crack Chicken
Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese after the cream cheese has melted.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This pasta is best served fresh because the sauce thickens as it sits.
If preparing ahead, cook the pasta slightly less than fully tender.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and add a splash of chicken stock or milk when reheating.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Refrigerator: Up to 3–4 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat.
Add a splash of chicken stock, milk, or cream and stir occasionally until the pasta is hot and creamy again.
Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each interval.
Recipe Summary
This Crack Chicken Penne is a simple one-pot dinner packed with creamy ranch flavor, tender chicken, smoky bacon, and perfectly cooked pasta.
The chicken stock cooks directly into the penne, while cream cheese transforms everything into a rich, velvety sauce.
It’s comforting, filling, easy to prepare, and perfect for a busy weeknight.
Smoky bacon + ranch-seasoned chicken + creamy pasta = irresistible comfort food.