Satisfy your cravings with Crack Chicken Penne, a dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds with its rich and savory flavors. This hearty pasta combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese sauce, creating a mouthwatering experience that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a gathering with friends, In our household, Crack Chicken Penne is more than just a meal—it’s a culinary adventure that brings joy and excitement to the dinner table. It all started one evening when I decided to try a new recipe for pasta. Little did I know, it would become an instant hit with my husband and kids. From the moment they took their first bite, their eyes lit up with delight, and they couldn’t stop raving about the incredible flavors. Since then, Crack Chicken Penne has become a staple in our weekly menu rotation, eagerly anticipated by everyone in the family. With its irresistible combination of savory chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese sauce, it’s a dish that never fails to bring smiles to our faces and warmth to our hearts.
Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Kitchen:
- Perfect blend of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese sauce, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
- Versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite toppings or additional ingredients.
- Family-friendly recipe that will please even the pickiest eaters.
- Generous portions ensure there’s plenty to go around, making it perfect for leftovers.
Ingredients:
- 6 slices smoked bacon, diced (divided into ¼ cup and remainder)
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed (approximately 454g or 1 pound)
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ounce ranch seasoning
- 946ml (4 cups) chicken stock
- 227g (½ pound) penne pasta
- 170g (6 ounces) cream cheese
- 298ml (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 227g (8 ounces) Colby jack cheese, shredded (divided into 1½ cups and ½ cup)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley, divided in half
Directions:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving ¼ cup for garnish. Drain off excess bacon grease, leaving 2 tablespoons in the skillet.
- Add cubed chicken breasts, chopped onion, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook until chicken is lightly browned and onions are tender.
- Stir in ranch seasoning and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then add penne pasta. Cover and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes or until pasta is tender.
- Remove lid and stir in cream cheese and cream of chicken soup until smooth.
- Add 1½ cups shredded Colby jack cheese, cooked bacon (except reserved ¼ cup), and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley. Stir to combine.
- Top with remaining ½ cup shredded Colby jack cheese (do not stir) and cover skillet with lid for 3-4 minutes or until cheese is melted.
- Remove lid and garnish with reserved bacon and remaining chopped parsley before serving.
Notes:
- Feel free to add extra vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Adjust the ranch seasoning according to your preference for seasoning intensity.
Crack Chicken Penne
Ingredients
- 6 slices smoked bacon diced (divided into ¼ cup and remainder)
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cubed (approximately 454g or 1 pound)
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ounce ranch seasoning
- 946 ml 4 cups chicken stock
- 227 g ½ pound penne pasta
- 170 g 6 ounces cream cheese
- 298 ml 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 227 g 8 ounces Colby jack cheese, shredded (divided into 1½ cups and ½ cup)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley divided in half
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving ¼ cup for garnish. Drain off excess bacon grease, leaving 2 tablespoons in the skillet.
- Add cubed chicken breasts, chopped onion, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook until chicken is lightly browned and onions are tender.
- Stir in ranch seasoning and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then add penne pasta. Cover and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes or until pasta is tender.
- Remove lid and stir in cream cheese and cream of chicken soup until smooth.
- Add 1½ cups shredded Colby jack cheese, cooked bacon (except reserved ¼ cup), and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley. Stir to combine.
- Top with remaining ½ cup shredded Colby jack cheese (do not stir) and cover skillet with lid for 3-4 minutes or until cheese is melted.
- Remove lid and garnish with reserved bacon and remaining chopped parsley before serving.