Description

Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish featuring tender diced chicken, crispy turkey bacon, and a zesty ranch-flavored sauce. This comforting meal is quick to prepare, combining penne pasta with a rich sauce made from cream cheese, chicken broth, and cheddar. Garnished with fresh green onions, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels indulgent without being complicated.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta

8 ounces penne pasta

For the Chicken and Sauce

1 pound chicken breast, diced
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon cooking oil
4 ounces cooked turkey bacon, chopped

For Garnish

Chopped green onions, to taste

Instructions

Cooking Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add the penne pasta and cook until slightly firm to the bite (al dente). Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of the pasta cooking water for possible thinning of the sauce later.
Cooking Chicken: In the same pot, heat one tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, spreading it out to avoid crowding, and cook until browned on all sides. Lightly season with pepper during cooking.
Adding Bacon: Stir in the cooked turkey bacon pieces, cooking briefly to allow them to become crispy and warm through.
Making the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning packet, and chicken broth. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring the cream cheese is fully melted.
Combining Ingredients: Add the drained penne pasta back into the pot with the sauce and chicken mixture. Gently stir to combine, coating the pasta evenly with the sauce. Use reserved pasta water if needed to adjust the consistency.
Finishing Touches: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. Cover the pot and let it sit until the cheese melts completely, stirring once melted to incorporate the cheese throughout the dish. Finally, garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Notes

Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.
For a richer flavor, substitute sharp cheddar cheese instead of mild cheddar.
If turkey bacon is unavailable, substitute with cooked regular bacon or omit for a lighter dish.
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free penne pasta and ensure ranch seasoning is gluten-free.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: crack chicken penne, creamy chicken pasta, ranch chicken pasta, cheesy chicken pasta, quick dinner recipes, turkey bacon pasta