I remember the first time I made this dish. My friends were over for a game night, and I wanted something quick, easy, and utterly delicious. I whipped up this Easy Crack Chicken Penne – SO Addictive!, and it was gone in minutes! Everyone was raving about it, practically licking their plates clean. I’m so excited to share this recipe because I know you and your family will love it just as much as mine does! Today, I’m sharing my foolproof recipe for the most incredible Easy Crack Chicken Penne – SO Addictive! you’ll ever make!
Easy Crack Chicken Penne: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Alright, my friends, let’s talk about comfort food. I’m not talking about just any dish that fills you up. I’m talking about that soul-satisfying, makes-you-feel-warm-and-fuzzy-inside kind of comfort food. And let me tell you, this Easy Crack Chicken Penne fits the bill perfectly. It’s creamy, cheesy, packed with flavor, and so unbelievably easy to make. Trust me, this is going to be a new family favorite!
What makes this dish so special? Well, it’s the combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and a hint of spice from the cheddar cheese, all tossed together with perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!).
You know, sometimes I’m in the mood for something similar, but I want a burger. That’s when I turn to my CRACK BURGERS recipe. It has a similar flavor profile but in burger form! It’s just as addictive!
Why is it called “Crack Chicken”?
Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room. The name “Crack Chicken” might raise an eyebrow or two. But trust me, there’s no actual crack involved! The name simply refers to how incredibly addictive this dish is. Once you take a bite, you won’t be able to stop! It’s that good!
Who is this recipe for?
This recipe is perfect for anyone who:
- Needs a quick and easy weeknight meal.
- Loves creamy, cheesy pasta dishes.
- Enjoys the combination of chicken, bacon, and ranch.
- Is looking for a crowd-pleasing recipe for potlucks or parties.
- Just wants a delicious and comforting meal!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, you probably already have most of them in your pantry and fridge!
- Penne Pasta: The classic choice for this dish. You can use any other short pasta shape you like, such as rotini, fusilli, or even macaroni.
- Chicken Breast: Cooked and shredded. You can use leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or cook your own chicken breasts.
- Bacon: Cooked and crumbled. Crispy bacon is a must for this recipe!
- Cream Cheese: This is what makes the sauce so creamy and decadent. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Ranch Dressing: Adds that signature tangy flavor. Use your favorite brand or make your own!
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded. Sharp cheddar cheese is my personal favorite, but you can use any cheddar cheese you like.
- Green Onions: Sliced. Adds a fresh, vibrant flavor.
- Garlic Powder: For an extra boost of flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Make Crack Chicken Penne!
Alright, let’s get cooking! This recipe is so easy, even a beginner cook can nail it. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious and addictive meal on the table in no time.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure to salt the water generously while boiling the pasta – this is key for flavorful pasta!
- Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy. I prefer to cook my bacon in the oven – it’s less messy and the bacon comes out perfectly crispy every time. Once the bacon is cooked, crumble it and set it aside. The smell of bacon cooking is one of life’s greatest simple pleasures, isn’t it?
- Cook the Chicken: If you’re cooking your own chicken, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can grill them, bake them, or pan-fry them. Once the chicken is cooked through, shred it using two forks. Alternatively, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet or pot, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. The sauce should be creamy and luscious.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and crumbled bacon to the sauce. Stir well to combine, making sure everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Now, here’s where the magic happens!
- Add Cheese: Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is cheesy and gooey. The melted cheese will create a truly decadent and irresistible sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with the remaining cheddar cheese and sliced green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy! The aroma alone will make everyone’s mouth water.
Success Tips for Perfect Crack Chicken Penne
Want to guarantee 100% success with this recipe? Here are a few golden tips that will take your Crack Chicken Penne to the next level:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Overcooked pasta will be mushy and unappetizing. Cook the pasta al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the flavor of the dish. Use good quality bacon, cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing.
- Don’t Skimp on the Bacon: Bacon is a key ingredient in this recipe, so don’t be shy! Use a generous amount of bacon for maximum flavor.
- Adjust the Seasoning to Your Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder to suit your preference.
- Add a Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes: If you like a little bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Variations and Add-Ins
One of the great things about this recipe is that it’s so versatile! You can easily customize it to your liking by adding different ingredients or making a few simple substitutions.
- Spice it up: Add a diced jalapeno to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Add veggies: Stir in some chopped bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Use different cheese: Try using pepper jack cheese for a spicier flavor, or mozzarella cheese for a milder flavor.
- Make it healthier: Use whole wheat pasta and reduced-fat cream cheese for a healthier version.
- Add a crispy topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top of the pasta before baking for a crispy topping.
Speaking of variations, if you love chicken and bacon, you absolutely HAVE to try my CHICKEN BACON PASTA recipe! It’s another creamy, dreamy pasta dish that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Make it a casserole!
Transform your Crack Chicken Penne into a casserole for an even more comforting and convenient meal! Simply prepare the recipe as directed, then transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with extra cheddar cheese and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This is a great option for potlucks or when you need to feed a crowd.
Serving Suggestions
This Crack Chicken Penne is delicious on its own, but it’s also great served with a side salad or some garlic bread. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Serve with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Serve with garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks.
- Serve with steamed broccoli or green beans.
- Serve with a side of coleslaw.
- Serve with a bowl of tomato soup.
For a really fun twist, especially if you’re having a BBQ or picnic, check out my BBQ CHICKEN MAC HEAVEN! It’s another delicious and crowd-pleasing dish.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
This Crack Chicken Penne is a great make-ahead dish! You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Or, you can cook the pasta, chicken, and bacon ahead of time and store them separately. Then, when you’re ready to make the dish, simply combine all the ingredients in a pot and heat through.
Storage: Store leftover Crack Chicken Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Freezing: While you *can* freeze Crack Chicken Penne, I don’t recommend it. The cream cheese sauce can become grainy and separate when frozen and thawed. However, if you do choose to freeze it, make sure to cool the pasta completely before freezing. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
And if you are looking for a lighter option but still craving pasta then you should try my Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta recipe! It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor.
Recipe: Easy Crack Chicken Penne
Alright, here’s the full recipe for Easy Crack Chicken Penne. Get ready to make a dish that will become a regular in your meal rotation!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
Instructions:
- Cook the penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, cook the bacon until crispy. Crumble and set aside.
- If using uncooked chicken, cook the chicken breasts until cooked through. Shred and set aside.
- In a large skillet or pot, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and crumbled bacon to the sauce. Stir well to combine.
- Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is cheesy and gooey.
- Garnish with the remaining cheddar cheese and sliced green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Conclusion: Get Ready to be Addicted!
There you have it, my friends! Easy Crack Chicken Penne – SO Addictive! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and is perfect for any occasion. From a quick weeknight meal to a potluck with friends, this dish is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to experience the magic of Crack Chicken Penne. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Enjoy!
Why is this dish called ‘Crack Chicken Penne’?
The name ‘Crack Chicken’ refers to how incredibly addictive the dish is. Once you take a bite, you won’t be able to stop!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Or, you can cook the pasta, chicken, and bacon ahead of time and store them separately.
What are some variations I can try with this recipe?
You can spice it up by adding a diced jalapeno, add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, use different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella, or make it healthier by using whole wheat pasta and reduced-fat cream cheese.
What kind of pasta is best for Crack Chicken Penne?
Penne pasta is the classic choice for this dish. However, you can use any other short pasta shape you like, such as rotini, fusilli, or even macaroni.
Addictive Crack Chicken Penne
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, cook the bacon until crispy. Crumble and set aside.
- If using uncooked chicken, cook the chicken breasts until cooked through. Shred and set aside.
- In a large skillet or pot, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and crumbled bacon to the sauce. Stir well to combine.
- Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is cheesy and gooey.
- Garnish with the remaining cheddar cheese and sliced green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!
