Dinner

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

ByElla Hart May 13, 2026May 13, 2026

Introduction

Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a cheesy ranch sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but comes together quickly.

A close-up view of a black skillet filled with creamy pasta. The dish has three main layers: the base is yellow penne pasta, the middle layer is pieces of light golden brown cooked chicken mixed with a creamy white sauce, and the top layer shows sprinkled crispy red bacon bits and bright green chopped parsley, giving texture and color contrast. The creamy sauce looks smooth and rich, coating all the ingredients evenly. The image background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 ounces penne pasta
1 pound chicken breast, diced
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Cooked turkey bacon, to taste
Chopped green onions, to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste
Oil for cooking

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until slightly firm. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of the pasta water.
Step 2: In the same pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken in a single layer and brown, making sure not to crowd the pan. Lightly season with pepper.
Step 3: Stir in the cooked turkey bacon pieces and cook until they achieve a crisp texture.
Step 4: Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Add the drained penne back to the pot and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
Step 6: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture. Cover the pot and allow the cheese to melt, stirring once melted to combine fully.
Step 7: Garnish with chopped green onions and season with salt and additional pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

Use rigatoni or ziti pasta as alternatives if penne is unavailable.
For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream or milk to the sauce.
Substitute turkey bacon with regular bacon or pancetta for a smokier flavor.
Add cooked vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added texture and nutrients.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white pan filled with a creamy pasta dish made of three main layers: at the base, golden yellow cooked penne pasta, on top, chunks of grilled light brown chicken mixed with a rich white creamy sauce speckled with black pepper, and scattered all over, crispy reddish-brown bacon bits and fresh dark green chopped parsley. The creamy sauce coats the pasta and chicken evenly, creating a smooth texture with small herbs visible. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before dicing and cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

Is there a dairy-free version of the creamy sauce?

You can substitute the cream cheese and cheddar with dairy-free alternatives, and use a dairy-free ranch seasoning if available. The sauce will be less rich, but still flavorful.