Crack Chicken Penne is the perfect comfort food dish that combines rich flavors and simple ingredients in one skillet. This creamy, savory pasta dish features a hearty mix of shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing, all bound together with a creamy sauce made from cream of chicken soup and chicken broth. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and easy to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings. The dish’s rich, cheesy texture and the smoky flavor of bacon make it hard to resist, and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s called “crack chicken” – it’s that addictive!
What makes Crack Chicken Penne especially appealing is how quickly it comes together. With just 30 minutes of prep and cook time, you can have a hearty, flavorful meal ready to enjoy. Whether you’re cooking for a family or entertaining guests, this dish offers a deliciously comforting experience that is sure to satisfy any appetite. So, if you’re craving a creamy, cheesy pasta with a burst of savory goodness, Crack Chicken Penne is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crack Chicken Penne is the ultimate comfort food that combines all your favorite flavors into one satisfying dish. The creamy, cheesy sauce blends beautifully with the tender pasta and seasoned chicken, while the crumbled bacon adds a delicious smoky crunch. The ranch dressing brings an extra layer of flavor that ties everything together, making each bite irresistibly delicious. This recipe is not only quick and easy to make, but it also uses ingredients you likely already have on hand, making it the perfect dish for a busy weeknight or when you need a last-minute meal. The fact that it’s made in just one skillet means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. Whether you’re a fan of creamy pastas, chicken, or bacon, this recipe has something for everyone.
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- Penne pasta
- Shredded cooked chicken
- Cream of chicken soup
- Chicken broth
- Cooked crumbled bacon
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Ranch dressing
For Seasoning:
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Variations
There are several ways to make this recipe your own and cater to different tastes or dietary preferences:
- Use Different Types of Cheese: While cheddar is a great choice, you can substitute it with other cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp Parmesan for added flavor.
- Add Vegetables: If you want to sneak in some veggies, try adding sautéed spinach, peas, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra color and nutrition.
- Spicy Version: For a kick of heat, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños to the sauce. You can also drizzle some buffalo sauce over the top for a spicy twist.
- Gluten-Free: Swap out the penne for a gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free. Just ensure the ranch dressing and cream of chicken soup are also gluten-free.
- Low-Carb: For a lower-carb version, you can use zucchini noodles or cauliflower pasta in place of traditional penne pasta.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to absorb the sauce when mixed in.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a large skillet, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and heated through.
Step 3: Add the Pasta
Once the sauce is heated and the cheese has melted, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Stir until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce, making sure each piece of pasta gets a generous amount of the sauce.
Step 4: Season the Dish
Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper to your liking. You can also add a little more ranch dressing or cheese if desired for extra flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Serve the Crack Chicken Penne hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and savory dish!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s already cooked and shredded, which makes the prep even quicker.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta just to al dente, as it will soften further when mixed with the sauce.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth or a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Crisp the Bacon: For even more flavor and texture, cook the bacon yourself until crispy, then crumble it into the dish. This ensures the bacon stays crispy when mixed with the sauce.
- Reheat with Care: If you have leftovers, be sure to reheat them gently over low heat, adding a bit of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Crack Chicken Penne is a hearty, satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some garlic bread. A light Caesar salad with crunchy romaine and tangy dressing would add a nice contrast to the richness of the pasta. For an indulgent touch, serve it with buttery garlic bread or crusty rolls to help soak up the creamy sauce. If you’re looking for more veggies, you could serve it with roasted or steamed broccoli or a green bean almondine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Crack Chicken Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, and the pasta will absorb even more of the creamy sauce, making the leftovers just as delicious.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, though the texture of the pasta may change slightly. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then heat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of chicken broth to restore the creamy consistency.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the sauce heats evenly. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as fusilli, rotini, or even elbow macaroni. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you’re using.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
3. Can I make this recipe without ranch dressing?
If you don’t like ranch dressing or don’t have any on hand, you can substitute it with a combination of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even a little bit of cream cheese for a tangy, creamy flavor.
4. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! If you have leftover turkey, it works perfectly in this recipe as a substitute for chicken.
5. Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, adding vegetables is a great way to increase the nutrition of this dish. Consider adding sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or peas to the sauce for added color and flavor.
6. Is this dish spicy?
No, this recipe is not spicy, but if you prefer a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or hot sauce to the sauce.
7. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to use any cheese you like. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Parmesan can be good alternatives to cheddar.
8. Can I use a different kind of soup?
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can substitute with cream of mushroom soup or even a homemade white sauce.
9. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before shredding and adding it to the dish.
10. How do I make the dish more creamy?
If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can add a little more ranch dressing or a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for extra richness.
Conclusion
Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or any time you crave something indulgent. With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich sauce made from cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing, and melted cheddar cheese, this dish is guaranteed to please everyone at the table. It’s quick to make, incredibly satisfying, and best of all, it’s all made in one skillet for easy cleanup. Whether you serve it with a salad, garlic bread, or your favorite veggies, Crack Chicken Penne is sure to become a family favorite.
PrintCrack Chicken Penne
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor. Tender penne pasta is coated in a rich and creamy sauce made from cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and ranch dressing. It’s a quick and easy weeknight meal that everyone will love, and the savory, cheesy goodness will have them coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked crumbled bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing. Stir until well combined.
- Add cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
- You can use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time.
- For an extra creamy texture, add a splash of heavy cream or milk.
- If you prefer a little more crunch, top the dish with some additional crumbled bacon or even toasted breadcrumbs before serving.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream of chicken soup and ranch dressing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes