If you’re looking for the ultimate creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed pasta dish, this Creamy Crack Chicken Penneis exactly what you need! Loaded with tender shredded chicken, ranch seasoning, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar, this dish is pure comfort food that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
It’s easy to make, packed with bold flavors, and perfect for weeknight dinners. Plus, it all comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. If you love rich, creamy pasta dishes with a little smoky bacon kick, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Creamy – The cream cheese and cheddar make the sauce ultra-luxurious.
- Bacon + Ranch = The Perfect Pairing – A flavor-packed combination that’s always a hit!
- One-Pan Wonder – Minimal dishes = less cleanup.
- Super Satisfying – This pasta is hearty, filling, and perfect for family dinners.
- Kid-Friendly – Even picky eaters love this cheesy pasta!
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4-6 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes)
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions.
Once al dente, I drain the pasta and set it aside.
(Pro Tip: Reserve ½ cup of pasta water to help loosen the sauce later, if needed!)
2. Cook & Shred the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, I cook the chicken breasts for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through.
Once done, I remove them from the skillet and shred the chicken using two forks.
(Pro Tip: For faster shredding, toss the chicken in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment!)
3. Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce
In the same skillet, I add the shredded chicken back in and sprinkle in the ranch seasoning mix.
I then stir in the cream cheese and a splash of water (or pasta water) and mix until the cream cheese melts and coats the chicken evenly.
4. Mix in the Pasta
Next, I add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, stirring until everything is well coated in the creamy ranch sauce.
5. Add the Cheese & Bacon
Now, for the best part—I sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon, stirring until the cheese melts into the sauce.
(Pro Tip: Want extra cheesiness? Add ½ cup of mozzarella for a gooier texture!)
6. Season & Garnish
I taste the pasta and add salt and pepper as needed. Then, I finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh chopped green onionsfor a pop of color and flavor.
7. Serve & Enjoy!
I scoop generous portions onto plates and dig into the creamy, cheesy, and bacon-packed goodness!
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Crack Chicken Penne
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese – It melts better and makes the sauce extra creamy.
- Want More Creaminess? – Add ½ cup of heavy cream or milk for a silkier sauce.
- For Extra Heat – Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Need a Lower-Carb Option? – Swap the penne for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice!
- Make It a Casserole – Transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and broil for 5 minutes for a golden crust.
What to Serve with Crack Chicken Penne
Since this pasta is super rich and creamy, I love pairing it with:
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
- Side Salad – A light Caesar or garden salad balances the richness.
- Steamed Veggies – Try broccoli, asparagus, or roasted zucchini.
- A Crisp White Wine – A Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors beautifully.
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
A: Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and works great in this recipe.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q: Can I freeze this pasta?
A: Yes! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with a splash of milk.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or water to bring back the creamy texture.
Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Absolutely! Farfalle, rotini, or rigatoni all work well in this dish.
Why You Need to Try This Crack Chicken Pasta
This Creamy Crack Chicken Penne is:
✅ Loaded with Flavor – Every bite is packed with ranch, bacon, cheddar, and creamy goodness.
✅ Quick & Easy – One skillet, 30 minutes, and minimal cleanup.
✅ Perfect for Picky Eaters – Even the kids will devour this dish.
✅ A Make-Ahead Meal – Great for meal prep and leftovers taste even better!
If you love rich, cheesy, and flavor-packed pasta dishes, this Crack Chicken Penne is a must-try.
Give it a go and let me know what you think! What’s your favorite creamy pasta dish? Drop a comment below! 🍝🔥✨
One-Pan Crack Chicken Penne: Creamy, Cheesy, & Loaded with Flavor
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 4 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the shredded chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
- Stir in the ranch seasoning mix and chicken broth, bringing to a simmer.
- Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add the crumbled bacon, salt, and pepper to taste, and mix well.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
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