Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, crispy beef bacon, and perfectly cooked pasta in a luscious sauce. This one-skillet meal is not just quick to prepare but also satisfies those cravings for something rich and filling. The combination of ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and Colby jack cheese creates a silky texture that coats every bite, making it a family favorite.
This recipe requires only 15 minutes of prep time and approximately 25 minutes of cooking, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights. With a total time of just 40 minutes, this dish allows you to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Home cooks looking for a straightforward yet delicious option will find this recipe easy to follow and satisfying.
Why This Crack Chicken Penne Is So Popular
This Crack Chicken Penne stands out for several reasons. First, the dish is cooked in one skillet, which means fewer dishes to wash afterwards. The balance of crispy beef bacon and tender chicken creates a delightful texture contrast. The creamy sauce made with cream cheese and ranch seasoning gives it a rich flavor profile. Plus, the simplicity of the ingredients makes it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
Main Ingredients for Crack Chicken Penne
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish:
- 6 slices smoked beef bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces, adds a savory, crispy element.
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, approximately 1 pound, cut into 1-inch cubes, provides lean protein.
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion, adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon salt, enhances the flavors of the ingredients.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, adds a subtle kick to the overall taste.
- 1 ounce packet of Ranch seasoning, infuses the dish with a creamy, tangy flavor.
- 4 cups unsalted chicken stock, forms the base of the sauce, making it rich and flavorful.
- ½ pound penne pasta, provides a hearty texture and holds the sauce well.
- 6 ounces cream cheese, contributes to a creamy sauce, use full-fat for best results.
- 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup, thickens the sauce and adds a comforting flavor.
- 8 ounce block of Colby jack cheese, shredded, divided into 1½ cups and ½ cup, creates a gooey finish.
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley, for garnish and freshness in flavor.
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
| Large skillet | For cooking all ingredients in one pan. |
| Cutting board | For safely chopping vegetables and meats. |
| Chef’s knife | Essential for cutting chicken and other ingredients. |
| Measuring cups and spoons | For accurate ingredient measurements. |
| Wooden spoon or spatula | For stirring ingredients while cooking. |
| Paper towels | To drain excess grease from the beef bacon. |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Crack Chicken Penne
Follow these detailed steps to create a satisfying dish of Crack Chicken Penne:
- Cook the beef bacon, In a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat, add the diced beef bacon. Cook for 9-11 minutes or until crispy. Transfer the cooked beef bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Reserve ¼ cup of the cooked beef bacon for garnish and set aside. Drain off all but 2 tablespoons of the beef bacon grease from the skillet.
- Brown the chicken and onion, Add the cubed chicken breasts, chopped onion, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned and the onions are translucent. The chicken may not be fully cooked through; it will continue to cook with the pasta.
- Add seasoning and stock, Once the chicken is lightly browned and the onions are tender, sprinkle in the ranch seasoning and pour in the chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the penne pasta. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the liquid.
- Incorporate the cream cheese and soup, Remove the lid and stir in the cream cheese and cream of chicken soup. Mix until fully combined and no lumps remain. The sauce should be creamy and smooth.
- Add cheese and beef bacon, Stir in 1½ cups of the shredded Colby jack cheese, along with the cooked beef bacon pieces (except for the reserved ¼ cup). Mix well to ensure the cheese melts into the sauce.
- Top with cheese, Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded Colby jack cheese on top of the dish without stirring it in. Cover the skillet again and let it cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
- Garnish and serve, Remove the lid and garnish with the reserved ¼ cup of beef bacon and the remaining tablespoon of chopped parsley. Serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- For perfect beef bacon, make sure to cook it low and slow to allow the fat to render properly, resulting in crispy pieces.
- Don’t rush the browning of the chicken; letting it develop color adds depth to the overall flavor.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for a thicker and creamier sauce that clings to the pasta beautifully.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts much better than pre-packaged shredded cheese, so consider shredding your own.
- For a quicker meal, you can prep ingredients in advance, such as chopping the onion and cubing the chicken.
- Keep an eye on the pasta while it cooks, as different brands may have slightly different cooking times.
- If the sauce thickens too much, you can thin it out with a splash of chicken stock or water.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
- Serve with a fresh garden salad for a light contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Pair with garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.
- Top with extra parsley or sliced green onions for added color and flavor.
- Serve with steamed broccoli or green beans for a nutritious side.
- Consider adding a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Variations and Easy Customizations for Crack Chicken Penne
Quick Weeknight Version
To speed up the cooking process, use pre-cooked chicken. Simply combine it with the beef bacon and other ingredients, reducing the overall cooking time.
High-Protein Version
Add more protein by incorporating cooked chicken sausage or using a combination of chicken and turkey. This will enhance the dish’s protein content while keeping it satisfying.
Vegetarian Adaptation
Replace the chicken with mushrooms or a meat substitute and omit the beef bacon. You can add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
Meal Prep Version
Make a larger batch and portion it into individual containers for easy reheating throughout the week. This dish keeps well in the fridge and can also be frozen for future meals.
Storage, Reheating, and Meal Prep Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, make sure to cool the dish completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container; it can last up to 2-3 months. When reheating, use the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of chicken stock to loosen the sauce if needed, ensuring the dish remains creamy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the chicken can lead to dryness; aim for a light browning rather than cooking it all the way through initially.
- Using low-quality cheese can result in a less creamy sauce; opt for freshly shredded cheese for the best texture.
- Failing to reserve some beef bacon for garnish can make the dish look less appealing; always set some aside for a finishing touch.
- Not adjusting the cooking time for different pasta brands can lead to overcooked or undercooked pasta; check for doneness frequently.
- Rushing the simmering step can prevent the flavors from melding; allow enough time for the pasta to absorb the broth.
Nutrition Overview
This Crack Chicken Penne recipe serves 6 and provides a hearty meal with substantial calories, primarily from protein and fats. Each serving offers a balanced amount of carbohydrates from the pasta, making it a filling option. For a lighter version, consider reducing the amount of cream cheese and cheese, or substituting whole grain pasta for a boost in fiber.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crack Chicken Penne
→ What is Crack Chicken Penne?
Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy pasta dish made with chicken, crispy beef bacon, and a ranch-flavored sauce, all cooked together in one skillet for a quick meal.
→ Can I make Crack Chicken Penne in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Crack Chicken Penne ahead of time. Simply store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2-3 months for later use.
→ How can I make Crack Chicken Penne healthier?
To make it healthier, consider using whole grain pasta, reducing the amount of cheese, or adding more vegetables to increase nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
→ Can I use a different type of pasta for Crack Chicken Penne?
Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like rotini or farfalle, depending on your preference.
Final Thoughts
Crack Chicken Penne is an effortless and satisfying dish that combines convenience with comfort. With its creamy sauce and hearty ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll find it becomes a regular in your dinner rotation, offering both ease and flavor in every bite.
Crack Chicken Penne
Ingredients
- 6 slices smoked beef bacon
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ounce packet of Ranch seasoning
- 4 cups unsalted chicken stock
- ½ pound penne pasta
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 8 ounce block of Colby jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Step 1 Cook the beef bacon , In a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat, add the diced beef bacon. Cook for 9-11 minutes or until crispy. Transfer the cooked beef bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Step 2 Brown the chicken and onion , Add the cubed chicken breasts, chopped onion, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned and the onions are translucent. The chicken may not be fully cooked through; it will continue to cook with the pasta.
- Step 3 Add seasoning and stock , Once the chicken is lightly browned and the onions are tender, sprinkle in the ranch seasoning and pour in the chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the penne pasta. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the liquid.
- Step 4 Incorporate the cream cheese and soup , Remove the lid and stir in the cream cheese and cream of chicken soup. Mix until fully combined and no lumps remain. The sauce should be creamy and smooth.
- Step 5 Add cheese and beef bacon , Stir in 1½ cups of the shredded Colby jack cheese, along with the cooked beef bacon pieces (except for the reserved ¼ cup). Mix well to ensure the cheese melts into the sauce.
- Step 6 Top with cheese , Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded Colby jack cheese on top of the dish without stirring it in. Cover the skillet again and let it cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
- Step 7 Garnish and serve , Remove the lid and garnish with the reserved ¼ cup of beef bacon and the remaining tablespoon of chopped parsley. Serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For perfect beef bacon, make sure to cook it low and slow to allow the fat to render properly, resulting in crispy pieces.
- Don't rush the browning of the chicken; letting it develop color adds depth to the overall flavor.
