There's something irresistible about a creamy, cheesy pasta dish, and this Crack Chicken Penne takes comfort food to a whole new level. With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, ranch-flavored cheese sauce, every bite is a perfect balance of indulgence and satisfaction.

I first made this recipe on a busy weeknight when I needed something quick yet hearty for my family. One bite, and they were hooked! Now, this dish makes a regular appearance at our dinner table, always met with excitement.

Why You'll Love This Crack Chicken Penne

Get ready to add this to your regular meal rotation! This Crack Chicken Penne is packed with flavor and so easy to make.

Quick & Easy – This dish comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Budget-Friendly – Made with simple, affordable ingredients, you can feed a hungry family without breaking the bank.
Crowd-Pleasing – The combination of chicken, bacon, cheese, and ranch is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
Versatile – You can customize it with different proteins, veggies, or even a spicy kick!

Once you try this dish, you'll understand why it has “crack” in the name—it's completely addictive!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Crack Chicken Penne lies in its simple yet bold ingredients. Each one contributes to the rich, creamy, and smoky flavor that makes this dish irresistible.

The penne pasta is the perfect choice for this recipe because its ridges hold onto the creamy sauce so well. You could also use rotini or rigatoni for a similar effect, but penne keeps things classic.

Chicken breasts work best here because they cook up quickly and stay tender when combined with the sauce. However, if you prefer extra-juicy chicken, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative.

Bacon adds a crispy, smoky contrast to the creamy texture of the dish. Cooking the bacon first and using some of the rendered fat to cook the chicken infuses even more flavor.

The cheese sauce comes together with cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and ranch seasoning. The cream cheese makes it ultra-smooth, while the cheddar brings that bold, cheesy punch. If you like a bit of heat, try adding some pepper jack cheese.

You'll also need ranch seasoning, which ties all the flavors together. You can use a store-bought packet or make your own blend with dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and dill.

How To Make This Crack Chicken Penne

Making Crack Chicken Penne is easier than you think, and the results are absolutely worth it. Let’s walk through the steps!

Start by cooking your penne pasta according to the package directions. Be sure to salt the water generously—this adds flavor to the pasta itself. Once it’s done, drain and set it aside, but reserve about a cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Remove it from the pan and set it aside, leaving about a tablespoon of the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.

Next, season your chicken breasts with a little salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder. Add them to the hot skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the cream cheese along with a splash of chicken broth. Stir until the cream cheese melts into a smooth base. Then, sprinkle in the ranch seasoning and stir well to distribute the flavors.

Now, it’s time for the magic: add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until it melts into the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Finally, add the cooked penne pasta, chicken, and crumbled bacon back into the skillet. Toss everything together so the sauce coats every bite. Let it all simmer for a minute or two, then serve immediately with a sprinkle of extra cheese and fresh parsley on top.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare with this dish!), you’ll be happy to know that Crack Chicken Penne stores well.

For the fridge, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce, as it thickens when chilled.

For the freezer, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Crack Chicken Penne is how adaptable it is. Here are some fun ways to switch it up:

Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a bit of heat.
Different Protein – Swap out the chicken for cooked shrimp, ground turkey, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a time-saving twist.
Lower-Carb Option – Replace the pasta with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles to cut down on carbs while keeping all the flavor.
Veggie Boost – Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers to add some extra nutrition to the dish.
Extra Creaminess – Mix in a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt for an even richer, tangier sauce.

No matter how you make it, this dish is always a winner. Give it a try, and get ready for a meal that’s guaranteed to disappear fast!