Description

Indulgent Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish featuring tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and a flavorful ranch-seasoned sauce. This comforting skillet meal combines penne pasta with a rich cream cheese and cheddar sauce, topped with green onions for a fresh finish. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, it can easily be adapted with gluten-free pasta or lighter ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 ounces Penne Pasta (can substitute with gluten-free pasta)

Chicken

2 cups Cooked Chicken (shredded) (rotisserie chicken works well)

Cheese and Dairy

8 ounces Cream Cheese (consider lower-fat version)
1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (can substitute with Monterey Jack)

Seasonings and Broth

1 packet Ranch Seasoning Mix (adjust to taste)
1 cup Chicken Broth (low-sodium options recommended)

Additional Ingredients

6 slices Cooked Bacon (crumbled) (turkey bacon for lighter option)
2 tablespoons Chopped Green Onions (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and set aside.
Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, and chicken broth. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and heated through, creating a flavorful sauce base.
Add proteins: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and crumbled cooked bacon into the sauce. Mix well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to warm up.
Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked and drained penne pasta to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy ranch sauce. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes to let everything come together.
Melt cheese topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it sit for 3-5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt perfectly.
Garnish and serve: Remove the lid and garnish the dish with freshly chopped green onions for a pop of color and mild onion flavor. Serve the dish hot for the best taste experience.

Notes

You can use gluten-free penne pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
For a lighter version, substitute turkey bacon and lower-fat cream cheese.
Rotisserie chicken is convenient and adds great flavor but cooked chicken breast can also be used.
Adjust ranch seasoning according to your taste preference—use less for milder flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: crack chicken, penne pasta, creamy chicken pasta, ranch chicken pasta, bacon chicken pasta, comfort food, cheesy pasta, easy dinner