Crack Chicken Penne isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience, a one-skillet wonder that checks all the boxes: creamy, cheesy, smoky, and oh-so-satisfying. If you’re juggling work, laundry, and the eternal mystery of the missing socks, this dish is your weeknight hero. It’s a favorite in my house, and yes, it gets requested more often than bedtime stories.
Why You’ll Love This Crack Chicken Penne
This isn’t your average chicken and pasta combo. Crack Chicken Penne blends the savory goodness of bacon, the bold flavor of ranch seasoning, and the creamy delight of Colby Jack and cream cheese. Plus, it all comes together in just one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze (because who has time for a sink full of dishes?).
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this cozy delight:
- 6 slices of smoked bacon, diced (save ¼ cup for garnish)
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cubed
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 oz dry Ranch seasoning mix
- 4 cups unsalted or low-sodium chicken stock
- ½ lb penne pasta
- 6 oz cream cheese
- 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 8 oz block of Colby Jack cheese, shredded (1½ cups + ½ cup)
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley (divided)
How to Make Crack Chicken Penne
1. Cook the bacon
In a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon for 9-11 minutes until crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Keep ¼ cup of bacon for garnish. Drain off all but 2 tbsp of bacon grease.
2. Brown the chicken and onions
Add the cubed chicken, onion, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes until chicken is lightly browned. It doesn’t have to be fully cooked—you’ll finish it with the pasta.
3. Add flavor and pasta
Stir in the Ranch seasoning and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then add the penne. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until pasta is tender.
4. Make it creamy
Stir in the cream cheese and cream of chicken soup until smooth and well combined.
5. Add cheese and bacon
Mix in 1½ cups of shredded Colby Jack, the cooked bacon (minus the garnish), and 1 tbsp of parsley.
6. Top and melt
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top. Cover and let it melt for 3-4 minutes.
7. Garnish and serve
Top with reserved bacon and the remaining parsley. Serve hot and watch it disappear!
Tips for the Best Crack Chicken Penne
- Cream cheese pro tip: Let it soften a bit before adding so it blends easier.
- Don’t rush the pasta step: The simmering makes the flavors meld like magic.
- Feeding a crowd? This recipe doubles well—just use a bigger skillet.
A Little Backstory
I first made Crack Chicken Penne on a chilly weeknight when my fridge was half full, and my patience was half empty. With some leftover bacon and a craving for something creamy and cozy, this recipe was born. It’s been warming hearts (and bellies) ever since.
FAQs About Crack Chicken Penne
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Just skip the browning step and add it in with the pasta.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I use a different pasta?
Totally. Rotini, ziti, or even shells work great—just watch the cook time.
Your Next Weeknight Favorite
Crack Chicken Penne is that rare unicorn of a meal: quick to make, loaded with flavor, and adored by picky eaters and grown-ups alike. It’s comfort food with a capital C, and I just know it’ll earn a spot in your weekly rotation. So go ahead, pour yourself a glass of wine (or a sippy cup of juice, no judgment), and dig into this cheesy, bacon-kissed beauty!
More Chicken Comforts to Explore
If this Crack Chicken Penne has your taste buds doing a happy dance, here are a few more cozy and satisfying dishes to keep your dinner rotation fresh and flavorful:
- Try the ultra-creamy and indulgent Creamy Garlic Chicken with Roasted Baby Potatoes for a garlic-lover’s dream in every bite.
- For a salad that’s anything but boring, the crunchy and vibrant Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad is a refreshing change of pace.
- In the mood for a quick, cheesy wrap? These Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps deliver comfort in under five minutes.
- And don’t miss the cozy vibes of Crockpot Angel Chicken—perfect for letting your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting.
Explore these delicious ideas and keep the chicken magic going strong in your kitchen!
Print
Crack Chicken Penne
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy, one-skillet dinner that’s loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch-seasoned comfort. A family-favorite weeknight meal you’ll crave again and again!
Ingredients
6 slices of smoked bacon, diced (¼ cup reserved for garnish)
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into 1-inch cubes
½ cup chopped yellow onion
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1-ounce packet of dry Ranch seasoning mix
4 cups unsalted or low-sodium chicken stock
½ pound penne pasta
6 ounces cream cheese
1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
8-ounce block Colby Jack cheese, shredded (1½ cups + ½ cup)
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley, divided
Instructions
In a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon for 9–11 minutes until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve ¼ cup for garnish.
Drain all but 2 tablespoons of bacon grease. Add cubed chicken, onion, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes until lightly browned.
Stir in Ranch seasoning and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, add penne, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 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 (minus reserved), and 1 tablespoon parsley. Stir well.
Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheese over the top. Cover for 3–4 minutes until melted.
Garnish with reserved bacon and remaining parsley before serving.
Notes
For smoother blending, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature.
This dish thickens as it cools—add a splash of chicken stock when reheating if needed.
Feel free to swap penne with rotini, shells, or ziti for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 710 Kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 39 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg