Description

Crack Chicken Penne is the ultimate comfort food mashup—juicy chicken breast, smoky bacon, creamy ranch-seasoned sauce, and tender penne pasta all come together in one irresistible dish. Perfect for a quick dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this easy recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. If you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, one-pan recipes, or a crowd-pleasing comfort food dinner, this crack chicken pasta will hit the spot. Ideal for fans of quick meals, cheesy chicken dishes, or anyone seeking new pasta dinner ideas to spice up their weeknight rotation.

Ingredients

8 ounces penne pasta

2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced

6 slices bacon, chopped

4 ounces cream cheese

1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.

2. Season chicken slices with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook in the bacon grease until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Add cream cheese and a splash of chicken broth to the pan. Stir until smooth and melted.

4. Add remaining chicken broth, ranch seasoning, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.

5. Stir in the uncooked penne pasta. Cover and cook until pasta is tender, about 12–15 minutes.

6. Return the chicken and bacon to the pan. Stir in cheddar cheese and mix until melted.

7. Garnish with parsley before serving, if desired.

Notes

Stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks to prevent sticking or uneven texture.

Add spinach, mushrooms, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor and customization.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: One Pan
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 720
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 46g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 155mg