Dinner

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

ByMarina Montclair May 19, 2026May 19, 2026

Introduction

Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that combines tender chicken, sharp cheddar, and zesty ranch seasoning for an irresistible meal. This comforting dinner comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

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
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Cooked turkey bacon, chopped (amount 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, about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
Step 2: In the same pot, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken in a single layer, cooking without crowding. Season lightly with pepper and sauté until browned and cooked through.
Step 3: Stir in the cooked turkey bacon pieces and continue to cook until the bacon is crisp.
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 cream cheese melts completely and forms a smooth sauce.
Step 5: Return the drained penne to the pot and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta, cover the pot, and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts. Stir once melted to combine.
Step 7: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

Try substituting penne with rigatoni or ziti if needed—the ridges help hold the sauce well.
Use sharp cheddar cheese for a richer flavor and better melting.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce gets too thick while combining.
For extra richness, sprinkle some crispy bacon bits on top just before serving.
If you prefer, swap turkey bacon with regular bacon or omit entirely for a lighter version.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving directly without stirring to keep the sauce creamy.

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 a different type of pasta?

Yes, rigatoni or ziti are great substitutes because their ridges hold the sauce well, but you can use any pasta you have on hand.

Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?

Reserving pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick. It contains starch that enhances the sauce’s texture and flavor.

Marina Montclair