Name: Irresistible Crack Chicken Penne: Quick, Cheesy & Flavorful
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb penne pasta; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 oz packet dry ranch seasoning mix; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup cooked beef bacon, crumbled; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions

Crack Chicken Penne is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary embrace, a dish that consistently delivers an explosion of flavor and comfort with every single bite. I’m thrilled to share a recipe that transforms a popular internet sensation into a hearty, satisfying pasta experience that I’m sure you and your family will absolutely adore. Originating from the wildly popular “Crack Chicken” concept that swept online communities, this pasta variation takes that irresistible combination of creamy ranch, savory bacon, and tender chicken, and transforms it into a robust, fulfilling dish perfect for any occasion.

I’ve found that people adore this dish for countless reasons. Its rich, velvety sauce clings perfectly to the penne, ensuring a burst of savory goodness in every forkful. The texture play between the al dente pasta, the juicy chicken, and the crispy bacon is simply divine. Beyond its incredible taste, its convenience makes it a weeknight hero, perfect for busy evenings when you crave something utterly delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Preparing your own Crack Chicken Penne at home is an absolute treat, promising a comforting and unforgettable dining experience that will undoubtedly become a regular in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: 2 to 3 large breasts, about 2 pounds total. We’ll be cooking and shredding these to integrate perfectly into our creamy sauce.
Thick-Cut Bacon: 1 pound. The crispy, savory element that truly defines the “crack” in our Crack Chicken Penne.
Penne Pasta: 1 pound box. Its tubular shape is ideal for catching and holding onto the rich, cheesy sauce.
Full-Fat Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, one block, softened at room temperature. This is the cornerstone for the unbelievably creamy texture of our sauce.
Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix: 1 ounce packet (the standard size). This magic powder is what gives the “Crack Chicken” its signature flavor profile.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: 2 cups. Using low-sodium allows us to control the overall saltiness of the dish, especially with the bacon and ranch seasoning contributing their own.
Heavy Cream: ½ cup. For an extra layer of decadence and silky smoothness in the sauce.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, freshly shredded. Please, if you can, shred your own cheese; it melts so much better than pre-shredded varieties.
Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, freshly shredded. This adds a beautiful stringiness and stretch to our sauce.
Green Onions (Scallions): ¼ cup, finely chopped, for garnish and a touch of fresh oniony bite.
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon. Enhances the savory depth of the sauce.
Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon. Complements the garlic powder beautifully.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, or to taste.
Kosher Salt: To taste, primarily for seasoning the pasta water and adjusting the final sauce. Remember, the ranch seasoning and bacon are already salty.
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, for cooking the chicken.
Optional Kick: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, if you like a little warmth in your Crack Chicken Penne.

Preparing the Chicken and Bacon – The Foundation of Flavor

This first phase is all about building the foundational flavors and textures for our incredible Crack Chicken Penne. We’re going to render the bacon to crispy perfection and cook our chicken so it’s tender and ready to shred.

Prepare the Bacon:
Let’s start with the bacon, because who doesn’t love the smell of bacon cooking? Take your 1 pound of thick-cut bacon and slice it into ½-inch pieces. I find kitchen shears work wonderfully for this, making the task quick and less messy than a knife. Once cut, place the bacon pieces into a large, cold skillet or Dutch oven. Starting with a cold pan helps the fat render out slowly and evenly, resulting in crispier bacon. Set your stove to medium heat.

Cook the bacon slowly, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully golden brown and incredibly crispy. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on your stovetop and the thickness of your bacon. You’ll see the fat slowly render out, and the bacon will shrink and become deeply caramelized. Once it reaches that perfect crispness, use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon bits to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help drain off any excess fat, ensuring our bacon stays wonderfully crunchy. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat in the skillet – we’ll use this incredibly flavorful fat to cook our chicken, infusing it with even more depth.

Tip for Perfectly Crispy Bacon:

Don’t rush this step! Low and slow is the key to rendering fat properly and achieving that desirable crisp texture without burning. If you cook it too quickly on high heat, you risk chewy or burnt pieces.
Cook and Shred the Chicken:
Now, let’s turn our attention to the chicken, which will absorb all that delicious bacon flavor. If you don’t have enough bacon fat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the reserved bacon fat in the skillet. Pat your boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with about ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of onion powder. We want to build layers of flavor from the very beginning.

Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with an instant-read thermometer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if your skillet isn’t large enough, cook the chicken in batches. Once cooked, transfer the chicken breasts to a cutting board and allow them to rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your chicken stays moist and tender.

Once rested, it’s time to shred! You can do this the traditional way by using two forks to pull the chicken apart. However, for a quick and easy method, I often place the cooked chicken breasts into a large bowl and use a hand mixer on low speed. This trick shreds chicken in seconds! Just be careful not to overmix, as you want nice, discernible strands, not a paste. Set the shredded chicken aside with the crispy bacon. You should have beautifully tender, flavorful shredded chicken ready for our Crack Chicken Penne.

Ensuring Moist Chicken:

Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Cooking it just until it reaches 165°F and then letting it rest will guarantee a tender and juicy result that perfectly complements the creamy sauce.

Making the Creamy “Crack Chicken” Sauce – The Heart of the Dish

This is where the magic truly happens, transforming simple ingredients into that irresistible, creamy, cheesy sauce that defines our Crack Chicken Penne. Get ready for some serious flavor development!

Build the Cream Cheese Base:
Using the same skillet (no need to clean it, those bits of flavor are gold!), reduce the heat to medium-low. Add your 8 ounces of softened cream cheese to the pan. If your cream cheese isn’t soft, you can cut it into smaller cubes to help it melt more quickly and evenly. Pour in the 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and the ½ cup of heavy cream. Using a whisk, stir constantly, breaking up the cream cheese as it melts. You want to whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and lump-free. This might take a few minutes, but patience here pays off for a velvety sauce.

As it warms, the mixture will start to thicken. Keep whisking until it’s a uniform, creamy base. This step is crucial for the texture of our Crack Chicken Penne sauce.
Infuse with Ranch Flavor:
Once your cream cheese base is smooth, it’s time for the star flavor! Tear open your 1-ounce packet of dry ranch seasoning mix and sprinkle it directly into the cream cheese mixture. Add the remaining ½ teaspoon of garlic powder and ½ teaspoon of onion powder, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. If you’re using red pepper flakes for an optional kick, add them now too. Whisk everything thoroughly until the ranch seasoning is fully incorporated and the sauce is fragrant. You’ll immediately notice that signature tangy, herby aroma that tells you this is going to be some fantastic “crack chicken” sauce. Let it gently simmer for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. The aroma filling your kitchen right now is absolutely divine!
Melt in the Cheeses:
Reduce the heat to its lowest setting. It’s time for the cheesy goodness! Gradually add your 2 cups of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of freshly shredded mozzarella cheese to the sauce, a handful at a time. Whisk continuously after each addition until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated before adding more. This gradual melting helps prevent the cheese from clumping and ensures a silky-smooth sauce.

Once all the cheese is melted, you should have a luscious, thick, and incredibly gooey sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want a pinch more salt or pepper depending on your preference and the saltiness of your broth and cheese. Remember, the bacon will also add saltiness later, so err on the side of caution. Keep the sauce warm on very low heat, stirring occasionally, while we prepare the pasta.

Why Freshly Shredded Cheese Matters:

Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting smoothly, sometimes leaving a grainy texture. Taking a few extra minutes to shred your own will yield a significantly better, creamier sauce for your Crack Chicken Penne.

Cooking the Penne Pasta – The Perfect Vehicle

No Crack Chicken Penne is complete without perfectly cooked pasta. This section ensures our penne is al dente and ready to soak up all that incredible sauce.

Boil the Pasta Water:
Fill a large pot with at least 4-6 quarts of water. Place it on high heat and bring it to a rolling boil. Once it’s vigorously boiling, add a generous amount of kosher salt – I usually add about 1-2 tablespoons. The water should taste like the sea. Salting the pasta water is essential; it’s your only chance to season the pasta itself from the inside out. Don’t skip this step!
Cook the Penne Pasta:
Add the 1-pound box of penne pasta to the boiling, salted water. Give it a good stir to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Cook the penne according to the package directions for “al dente” – this typically means cooking it for 9-11 minutes. Al dente pasta will still have a slight bite to it, which is perfect for this dish as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot sauce. Mushy pasta is a no-go for our Crack Chicken Penne!
Reserve Pasta Water and Drain:
Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 to 1½ cups of the starchy pasta cooking water. This pasta water is liquid gold! It contains starches that help to emulsify and bind the sauce to the pasta, making it incredibly creamy and allowing you to adjust the consistency of the sauce if it becomes too thick. Once you’ve reserved the water, carefully drain the penne in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta; rinsing removes the starches that help the sauce adhere.

The Magic of Pasta Water:

Always, always reserve pasta water! It’s the secret ingredient many professional chefs use to achieve perfectly sauced pasta. It helps to thin the sauce without diluting the flavor and creates a beautiful, cohesive dish.

Combining and Finishing the “Crack Chicken Penne” – The Grand Finale!

We’re in the home stretch! This is where everything comes together to create the ultimate comfort food: our glorious Crack Chicken Penne.

Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce:
Return the drained penne pasta to the large pot you used to cook it, or if your sauce skillet is large enough, you can add it directly to the skillet with the warm sauce. Add the shredded chicken and pour the entire creamy, cheesy “crack chicken” sauce over the pasta and chicken. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently but thoroughly toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are completely coated in that luscious sauce. Make sure every piece of penne has a generous helping of creamy goodness!
Stir in Bacon and Adjust Consistency:
Now for the final touch of flavor and texture! Add about three-quarters of your crispy bacon bits into the pot, reserving the rest for garnish. Toss again to distribute the bacon throughout the dish. This ensures every bite has that irresistible smoky, salty crunch. At this point, assess the consistency of your Crack Chicken Penne. If the sauce seems too thick or looks a little dry, add some of the reserved pasta water, a quarter cup at a time, stirring well after each addition, until it reaches your desired creaminess. You might not need all of it, or you might need a little more depending on how much the pasta absorbed.

Achieving the Perfect Creaminess:

Don’t be shy with the pasta water if needed. It’s better to add a little at a time until you reach that ideal, clingy sauce texture that beautifully coats the penne. You want it to be creamy but not soupy.
Serve and Garnish:
Your magnificent Crack Chicken Penne is now ready to be devoured! Spoon generous portions into bowls. Garnish each serving with the remaining crispy bacon bits and a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions. The green onions add a welcome burst of freshness and color that cuts through the richness of the dish. Serve immediately while it’s warm and wonderfully gooey. This dish is truly a crowd-pleaser and perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a special gathering. Enjoy every single creamy, cheesy, bacon-filled bite!

Best Served Fresh:

While leftovers are delicious, Crack Chicken Penne is at its absolute best when served fresh, straight from the pot, while the sauce is at its peak creaminess and the bacon is still wonderfully crisp.

Conclusion:

Well, my friends, we’ve reached the exciting culmination of our culinary journey! I genuinely believe that this recipe isn’t just another dinner idea; it’s a gateway to pure comfort and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a cherished staple in your home. We’ve explored the simplicity of its preparation, the magic behind its incredibly rich and savory flavor profile, and the absolute joy it brings to the table. From the very first creamy, cheesy bite, you’ll understand exactly why this dish has garnered such a loyal following and why I’m so excited for you to experience it firsthand. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm hug after a long day, perfect for chasing away those weeknight blues or for effortlessly impressing guests without spending hours slaving over a hot stove.

The beauty of this dish lies in its perfect balance – the tender, seasoned chicken, the perfectly al dente penne, and that unforgettable, luxuriously creamy sauce that is truly the star of the show. It’s got that delightful tang from the cream cheese, the salty kick from the ranch seasoning, and the comforting heartiness that makes you want to go back for seconds, and perhaps even thirds! It’s robust enough to satisfy even the biggest appetites, yet it feels wonderfully indulgent and special. I promise you, once you taste this incredible creation, you’ll find yourself craving its unique blend of flavors time and time again. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly extraordinary and profoundly satisfying.

Seriously, if you’re looking for a dish that delivers on flavor, comfort, and ease, then look no further. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of meal that sparks conversation, brings smiles to faces, and leaves everyone feeling utterly content. And honestly, isn’t that what we all strive for when we gather around the dinner table? It’s versatile enough for a quiet family dinner, yet special enough to be the centerpiece of a lively gathering or a potluck where you’ll undoubtedly be asked for the recipe. You simply must try this Crack Chicken Penne! It’s a game-changer, a true culinary delight that stands head and shoulders above many other pasta dishes, thanks to its distinct and utterly irresistible character.

Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Meal:

While this dish is undoubtedly a complete meal on its own, a few thoughtful additions can really elevate your dining experience. I love serving it alongside a crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness and add a refreshing contrast. A simple Caesar salad is also a fantastic choice. Another excellent companion is a crusty loaf of garlic bread or a warm baguette, perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delectable, creamy sauce. A sprinkling of fresh, chopped parsley or chives right before serving also adds a lovely pop of color and a subtle fresh flavor that brightens the entire dish. And for those who enjoy a little extra kick, a dash of red pepper flakes can introduce a pleasant warmth without overpowering the inherent deliciousness.

Creative Variations to Make it Your Own:

One of the things I adore most about cooking is the freedom to experiment and customize, and this recipe lends itself beautifully to creative variations! Don’t be afraid to make it your own. Here are some ideas to spark your imagination:

Cheesy Twist: While cheddar and Monterey Jack are fantastic, try swapping in some smoked gouda for a deeper, more complex flavor, or a touch of Parmesan for an extra salty, umami kick.
Veggie Boost: Stir in some frozen peas, steamed broccoli florets, or sautéed spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color. Diced bell peppers or mushrooms could also be a delicious addition.
Spice it Up: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce. A few diced jalapeños, either fresh or pickled, would also be phenomenal.
Protein Swap: While chicken is classic, cooked shredded turkey or even ground sausage could offer an interesting alternative.
Different Pasta Shapes: Don’t have penne? No problem! Rigatoni, ziti, or even rotini would work just as wonderfully, providing a great surface for the sauce to cling to.
Bacon Alternatives: If you’re looking to cut down on bacon, sun-dried tomatoes or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can offer a similar savory, smoky depth.
Vegetarian Option: For a plant-based version, you could substitute the chicken with white beans or even a plant-based chicken alternative, ensuring the sauce remains vegetarian-friendly.

So, there you have it – all the reasons why I’m so passionate about this recipe and why I’m confident you’ll fall in love with it too. It’s time to move from reading to doing! I wholeheartedly encourage you to roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and give this incredible dish a try tonight or this weekend. I promise you won’t regret it. Make this Crack Chicken Penne for your family, your friends, or just for yourself!

Once you’ve experienced the magic, please come back and share your thoughts! I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience in the comments section below. What variations did you try? Who did you share it with? Did it become an instant hit in your household, just like it has in mine? Your feedback and creative twists inspire me and the entire community. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear all about your delicious journey!