This Crack Chicken Penne recipe is the ultimate comfort food fusion—hearty, creamy, savory, and brimming with flavor. It’s a dish that delivers on all fronts, combining the rich taste of smoky bacon, tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and the bold punch of ranch seasoning. This one-pot wonder is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something indulgent yet simple to prepare.
The name “Crack Chicken” comes from its addictive combination of ingredients—bacon, ranch, and cheese—which are hard to resist. When paired with penne pasta and simmered in a creamy sauce, the result is a velvety, satisfying meal that leaves everyone reaching for seconds. You don’t need to be an expert in the kitchen to master this dish; it’s straightforward and forgiving, making it ideal for both seasoned cooks and beginners alike.
The cooking process starts by rendering smoky bacon to bring out its depth of flavor, then layering in aromatics like onion and chicken. The ranch mix works its magic as an all-in-one seasoning, keeping the dish bold without any extra effort. The pasta cooks directly in the seasoned broth, absorbing every drop of flavor, while the finishing touch of cream cheese and shredded Colby jack brings everything together in a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
This is the kind of dish that’s just as good for a family dinner as it is for casual entertaining. It’s a one-pot meal that keeps cleanup minimal, and you can easily scale it up for larger gatherings. Whether served straight from the pot or dressed up with a fresh parsley garnish, Crack Chicken Penne is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients :
- 6 slices smoked bacon, diced
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 oz ranch seasoning
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 pound penne pasta
- 6 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 8 oz Colby jack cheese, shredded (1½ cups for pasta, ½ cup for topping)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided
Instructions:
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