Pin it
Crack chicken penne takes comfort food to new heights by combining tender pasta, juicy chicken, and crispy bacon in a rich, creamy cheese sauce that's absolutely irresistible. This one-pot wonder has become my go-to recipe when I need to feed a crowd or want to ensure there are delicious leftovers for busy weekday lunches.
Last month, I brought this to a neighborhood potluck and watched as people went back for seconds and thirds. Even the pickiest eaters couldn't resist the combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy sauce.
Essential Ingredients and Selection
- Pasta: Choose penne with ridges that catch and hold the sauce
- Bacon: Look for thick-cut bacon for meatier, crispier pieces
- Chicken: Select fresh chicken breasts and cut them uniformly
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat, room temperature for the smoothest sauce
- Ranch Seasoning: The secret ingredient that ties all flavors together
- Cheddar: Sharp cheddar adds the best flavor - grate it yourself
Detailed Cooking Instructions
- Step 1:
- Begin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a vigorous boil. Add your penne and cook until it's just tender but still has a slight bite - it will continue cooking in the sauce later.
- Step 2:
- In your largest, heaviest pot, cook the bacon pieces over medium heat until they're perfectly crispy. Don't rush this step - proper bacon rendering creates the foundation of flavor. Remove the bacon but leave behind one tablespoon of that flavorful fat.
- Step 3:
- Season your diced chicken generously with salt and black pepper. Add it to the hot bacon fat and let it sear without stirring too much - this develops a lovely golden crust. Once browned, add your minced onion and let it soften alongside the chicken. When the chicken is nearly done, add the garlic and let its aroma bloom.
The first time I made this dish, my grandmother watched me pour the entire packet of ranch seasoning in at once. She taught me to add it gradually, tasting as I go - now the seasoning is always perfectly balanced.
Pin it
Sauce Development
Your sauce starts with chicken broth as the base. Add the cream cheese in small pieces, letting each portion melt before adding more. Stir in the sour cream, ranch seasoning, and parsley. Let this mixture come to a gentle simmer - never a full boil, which can make the sauce separate.
Serving Strategies
This dish is incredibly versatile. I love serving it with a crisp Caesar salad to balance the richness. For a complete meal, add some roasted broccoli or sautéed green beans on the side. The leftovers make fantastic lunch portions.
Storage Solutions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce's silky texture. The flavors actually develop overnight, making this perfect for meal prep.
Pin it
This crack chicken penne has earned its place as a family favorite in our household. Whether I'm making it for a quiet family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, the combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crispy bacon never fails to bring smiles to faces around the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make Crack Chicken Penne ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare it up to 2 days ahead. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
- → What can I substitute for ranch seasoning?
- Mix dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder with salt and pepper as a homemade alternative to ranch seasoning.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
- Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works great as a time-saving option. Add it when combining the sauce ingredients.
- → How do I store leftover Crack Chicken Penne?
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken, so add a bit of milk when reheating.
- → Can I freeze this pasta dish?
- While possible, cream-based pasta dishes can separate when frozen. For best results, enjoy fresh or store in the refrigerator.