30-Minute Crack Chicken Penne Recipe – Creamy, Dreamy Comfort Food!
This Crack Chicken Penne recipe is a quick and easy dinner that's bursting with flavor. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with bacon, it's the ultimate comfort food ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a rich, satisfying sauce that everyone will love.
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot For cooking pasta
- 1 Large Skillet or Dutch Oven For cooking chicken and sauce
- 1 Mixing Spoons or Spatulas For stirring ingredients
- 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons For accurate measurements
Ingredients
- 1 pound Penne pasta or gluten-free alternative
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 8 ounce Cream cheese softened, or vegan alternative
- 1 cup Chicken broth low-sodium optional
- 1 ounce Ranch seasoning mix package, or gluten-free, low-sodium option
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese or dairy-free alternative
- 1/2 cup Cooked bacon bits
- 1/4 cup Fresh chives or green onions chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside. Prep Time: 5 minutes. Cook Time: 10-12 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Safety Tip: Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the softened cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet with the chicken. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the ranch seasoning mix and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheddar cheese is melted and the sauce is well combined and cheesy.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the creamy chicken sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Stir in the cooked bacon bits. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh chives or green onions before serving.
- Serve your delicious Crack Chicken Penne hot and enjoy!
Notes
Recipe notes and serving suggestions are included in the blog post. Feel free to adjust seasoning and cheese types to your preference. For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or jalapeños.