If you’re searching for a recipe that checks all the boxes—easy, flavorful, creamy, cheesy, and utterly indulgent—look no further than Crack Chicken Penne. This delicious pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something extra comforting. Combining chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese, and a kick of ranch seasoning, it’s the kind of meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. The flavors are so irresistible that the dish earned the nickname “crack” due to its addictive qualities.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to make this fantastic dish at home. We’ll cover the essential ingredients, the step-by-step process, variations for different tastes, and expert tips to ensure success. Plus, we’ve included plenty of ideas for side dishes, storage tips, and answers to frequently asked questions about Crack Chicken Penne.
Why Crack Chicken Penne Is So Popular
Before diving into the recipe, let’s explore why this dish has become a fan favorite among home cooks:
1. Easy One-Pot Meal
One of the standout features of Crack Chicken Penne is that it’s a one-pot dish, which makes it not only simple to prepare but also minimizes cleanup time. The pasta cooks in the same pot as the chicken and sauce, absorbing all those rich flavors for an even more flavorful result.
2. Perfect for Busy Weeknights
When you’re short on time but still want to put a hot, homemade meal on the table, this recipe comes to the rescue. You can have this delicious dinner ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for those hectic weeknights when everyone’s hungry, and time is limited.
3. Addictively Delicious
The combination of flavors is what makes this dish truly special. You get the richness of bacon, the tanginess of ranch seasoning, and the creaminess of cheddar cheese, all combined with tender chicken and al dente pasta. It’s no wonder why this dish has become known as “crack” chicken—once you start eating, it’s hard to stop!
Key Ingredients for Crack Chicken Penne
To create the best Crack Chicken Penne, you’ll need the following ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in making the dish so indulgent:
1. Bacon
Thick-cut bacon works best because it adds a crispy texture and deep, savory flavor to the dish. The bacon fat is also used to sear the chicken, adding even more flavor to the meat.
2. Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are most commonly used, but you can substitute chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful cut of meat. Chicken thighs tend to be more forgiving if overcooked slightly, which can be helpful for novice cooks.
3. Ranch Seasoning
Ranch seasoning is the key to the dish’s addictive flavor. You can use store-bought packets or make your own homemade version for a fresher taste. The tanginess from the seasoning balances the richness of the bacon and cheese perfectly.
4. Penne Pasta
Penne is the ideal choice for this dish because its tube-like shape holds the sauce well. However, you can experiment with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini. The pasta is cooked in chicken broth, allowing it to absorb more flavor.
5. Chicken Broth
Low-sodium or no-sodium chicken broth is recommended so you can control the saltiness of the dish. Cooking the pasta in broth rather than water infuses it with flavor from the beginning.
6. Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is the secret to making this dish incredibly creamy. Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer result, or go for a lighter version to cut back on calories without sacrificing too much creaminess.
7. Cheddar Cheese
Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal because it adds depth and sharpness to the dish. You’ll mix most of it into the sauce and sprinkle some on top for a final cheesy layer that melts into gooey perfection.
8. Fresh Parsley
Fresh parsley is optional, but it adds a nice pop of color and a touch of herby flavor to balance the richness of the dish.
For those interested in making a gluten-free version, check out recipes like Gluten and Dairy-Free Desserts, which provide tips on how to adjust recipes to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crack Chicken Penne
Ready to dive in? Here’s the detailed process for making the perfect Crack Chicken Penne from scratch. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing meal in no time:
1. Cook the Bacon
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook your bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot—you’ll use this to cook the chicken for added flavor.
2. Sear the Chicken
- Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot with the reserved bacon fat. Sear the chicken over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes, just until the edges start to brown. The chicken won’t be fully cooked at this point, but it will finish cooking later with the pasta.
3. Add Ranch Seasoning
- Once the chicken is seared, sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the chicken. Stir well to ensure that all the chicken pieces are evenly coated. The ranch seasoning will form the base of your sauce, giving it that signature tangy flavor.
4. Add the Pasta and Chicken Broth
- Now, it’s time to add the penne pasta and chicken broth to the pot. Stir everything together, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let the pasta cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s al dente. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
For an even creamier texture, make sure you don’t drain any liquid as the pasta cooks. The starches released from the pasta will help thicken the sauce.
5. Make the Sauce
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the cream cheese until it’s fully melted and smooth. Then, add the crispy bacon bits back into the pot along with 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and well-combined.
6. Top with Cheese and Serve
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta, cover the pot for 1-2 minutes, and let the cheese melt completely. If you prefer a bubbly, browned top, you can place the pot under the broiler for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Expert Tips for Success
Even though this dish is easy to make, here are some expert tips to ensure that your Crack Chicken Penne turns out perfectly every time:
1. Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Make sure to only sear the chicken, not fully cook it, when you first add it to the pot. It will finish cooking alongside the pasta, ensuring it’s tender and juicy rather than dry.
2. Use Quality Cheese
For the best flavor, use a good quality, sharp cheddar cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but it often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly. Shredding your own cheese from a block will give you the creamiest, most velvety sauce.
3. Customize the Flavors
If you love spicy food, add some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the ranch seasoning. You can also experiment with different cheese combinations, such as swapping out some of the cheddar for parmesan or mozzarella.
4. Watch the Pasta
Keep a close eye on the pasta as it cooks. You want it to be al dente, meaning it should be tender but still have a bit of bite. Overcooking the pasta will result in a mushy texture that won’t hold up well to the rich sauce.
5. Experiment with Pasta Types
While penne is a popular choice, you can also use rotini, rigatoni, or even farfalle (bowtie pasta). These pasta shapes have ridges or crevices that help them hold onto the sauce even better than smooth pasta shapes.
Recipe Variations: Get Creative with Your Crack Chicken Penne
One of the best things about Crack Chicken Penne is how easy it is to customize. Below are some variations to try if you want to change things up:
1. Spicy Crack Chicken Penne
- Add ½ to 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the ranch seasoning for a spicy kick. You can also serve the dish with hot sauce on the side for those who like extra heat.
2. Vegetable Add-Ins
- To make this dish a bit healthier, consider adding vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The vegetables will add color, texture, and extra nutrients without overpowering the flavors of the dish.
3. Healthier Version
- For a lighter version of the dish, use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon and swap the full-fat cream cheese for a reduced-fat version. You can also use a blend of low-fat cheddar cheese and a small amount of regular cheese to keep some richness.
4. Gluten-Free Crack Chicken Penne
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas. Be sure to check the pasta package for the correct cooking time, as gluten-free pasta can have a slightly different texture and cook time compared to wheat-based pasta.
For those interested in more recipes that can easily be made gluten-free, check out Buckwheat Bread Recipe for a great side dish that complements pasta-based meals.
Freezing and Storing Crack Chicken Penne
If you have leftovers or want to make a double batch for later, Crack Chicken Penne freezes and stores beautifully.
Freezing Instructions
- Prepare the dish as directed but don’t add the final topping of cheese. Transfer the cooked pasta and sauce to a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish or an airtight container. Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil.
- You can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating Instructions
- To reheat, remove the dish from the fridge or freezer and place it in a preheated 350°F oven. If it’s frozen, bake for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until fully heated through. If thawed, bake for about 20-30 minutes.
- If you’re reheating individual portions, you can microwave them for 3-4 minutes until hot.
Side Dishes to Serve with Crack Chicken Penne
While Crack Chicken Penne is a hearty meal on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a few simple side dishes to complete the meal:
1. Tomato Basil Salad
- A fresh Tomato Basil Salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
2. Garlic Knots
- Serve the pasta with homemade Garlic Knots or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
3. Roasted Vegetables
- Oven-roasted vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or carrots are a healthy and colorful side that complements the richness of the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Crack Chicken?
- Crack Chicken is a term used to describe dishes that combine chicken, bacon, ranch seasoning, and cheddar cheese. The flavors are so addicting that it earned the nickname “crack.” This version adds pasta to create a full meal in one pot.
2. Can I Make This Dish in an Instant Pot?
- Yes, you can make Crack Chicken Penne in an Instant Pot. Cook the bacon using the sauté function, then sear the chicken. Add the pasta and broth, seal the lid, and set to pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully release the pressure, stir in the cream cheese and cheddar, and serve.
3. How Do I Make This Dish Spicier?
- If you like spicy food, add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when you add the ranch seasoning. You can also serve the dish with hot sauce for an extra kick.
4. Can I Freeze Crack Chicken Penne?
- Absolutely! This dish freezes very well. Simply transfer the cooked pasta and sauce to an airtight container or baking dish, freeze for up to 2 months, and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
5. What Sides Go Well with Crack Chicken Penne?
- This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. For a lighter option, try serving it with steamed green beans or a cucumber salad.
Conclusion
Crack Chicken Penne is the ultimate comfort food, blending the rich flavors of bacon, ranch seasoning, cheese, and tender chicken in a creamy pasta dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or for meal prep, this dish is versatile, customizable, and always delicious.
For more recipe inspiration, don’t forget to check out similar dishes like Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Pasta or explore how you can make gluten-free dishes with the tips from Buckwheat Bread Recipe.
With endless possibilities for customization, Crack Chicken Penne is a dish you’ll come back to again and again!
By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to create a version of Crack Chicken Penne that suits your taste perfectly. Happy cooking!