If you’ve been hunting for a dinner that checks all the boxes—creamy, hearty, and easy—this Crack Chicken Penne recipe is a total winner. It’s got the bold flavors of ranch-seasoned chicken, smoky bacon, and loads of melty cheese, all cooked together with pasta in a single pot. The cleanup? Minimal. The taste? Off the charts. Whether you’re planning a laid-back family meal or prepping ahead for a busy week, this recipe delivers comfort and convenience. Plus, you can make it in a slow cooker or Instant Pot without losing any of the rich, cheesy goodness.
PrintCrack Chicken Penne Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy One-Pot Comfort Dinner
This Crack Chicken Penne recipe brings together juicy chicken, crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, and melty cheese in one creamy one-pot meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
4 slices thick-cut bacon
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
1 ounce ranch seasoning (1 packet or 2 tbsp)
8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
3½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
4 ounces cream cheese
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Cook bacon until crispy, remove and chop into bits.
2. Add chicken to pot, cook 3 minutes until lightly browned.
3. Stir in ranch seasoning and coat chicken.
4. Add uncooked penne and chicken broth. Bring to boil.
5. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add cream cheese and stir until smooth.
7. Return bacon and add 1½ cups of cheddar cheese. Stir to combine.
8. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top, cover 30 seconds, then turn off heat.
9. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Add a splash of extra broth if pasta looks dry.
For a veggie boost, stir in spinach at the end.
Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or smoked gouda for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
The Story Behind My Crack Chicken Penne Obsession
One-Pot Pasta Nights Became My Secret Weapon
I still remember the first time I threw this together. I was sore from an intense bootcamp session, starving, and had zero energy for anything complicated. I opened the fridge, saw some bacon, a couple of chicken breasts, and a block of cheddar. Penne was in the pantry, and I always keep ranch seasoning on hand. Boom. The idea clicked. I tossed it all into one pot, crossed my fingers, and hoped for the best.
What came out was pure gold. The pasta was tender, the chicken juicy, and the sauce so creamy it coated every bite. That night, Crack Chicken Penne earned its place in my recipe rotation—right next to garlic butter steak lightning noodles and creamy rotini parmesan chicken.
Why Crack Chicken Penne Has a Cult Following
This isn’t just another cheesy pasta dish—it’s a full-on flavor bomb. Between the smoky bacon bits, tangy ranch, and sharp cheddar, there’s something in every bite to keep you going back for more. The best part? You don’t need a pile of dishes. Everything simmers together in one pot, soaking up flavor and saving time.
And it’s versatile. You can throw it in your crock pot before work, or pressure cook it in the Instant Pot for a last-minute weeknight fix. No matter how you prep it, this crack chicken penne recipe comes out creamy and satisfying.
Add a quick veggie side or pair it with crusty bread, and dinner’s done. I love serving it with a fresh green salad or even alongside something unexpected, like a sweet chili chicken bowl when we want a flavor contrast on the table.
Making the Best Crack Chicken Penne Recipe at Home
Choose Smart Ingredients for Creaminess and Flavor
Every ingredient in this crack chicken penne recipe earns its spot. Bacon provides a rich, savory layer and just the right amount of crunch. The chicken absorbs the ranch seasoning while staying juicy and tender. Cream cheese and cheddar come together to create a thick, luscious sauce that hugs each piece of penne just right.
To get that perfect bite, it’s worth using ingredients that melt smoothly and blend well. For instance, I always reach for a quality block of cheddar over pre-shredded—it’s creamier and adds real depth. When it comes to cream cheese, stick with a full-fat variety for a silkier finish.
This recipe’s flexibility is a bonus. If you’re low on penne, use rotini or bowties instead—they catch the sauce just as well. Sometimes I toss in a handful of frozen peas or chopped baby spinach toward the end of cooking. They mix right in and bring a fresh pop of color and nutrition.
You can even tweak the flavor profile. Want a smoky twist? Try adding a bit of smoked gouda along with the cheddar. The result is a deeper, layered flavor, similar to how I elevate this creamy garlic parmesan chicken rotini on cooler nights.
Crack Chicken Penne Crock Pot & Instant Pot Cooking Methods
Easy Slow Cooker Method for Stress-Free Mornings
Busy day ahead? This crack chicken penne crock pot version is your backup plan. Start by cooking the bacon on the stove for extra crispiness—trust me, tossing it in raw won’t give you that rich texture. Once it’s done, layer your chicken, broth, ranch seasoning, and cream cheese in the slow cooker.
Let it simmer on low for 6–8 hours or high for around 4. Then, drop the uncooked penne straight in about 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve. The pasta softens right in the broth, soaking up all those bold ranch and bacon flavors. When it’s nearly done, stir in the cooked bacon and plenty of shredded cheddar.
To turn it into a bigger meal, I sometimes add a fresh green side salad or pair it with buttery garlic bread. If you’re feeding more people, try serving it with something cozy like crockpot steak and potato bake for a hearty combo.
Fast Weeknight Fix Using the Instant Pot
If time’s tight, this Instant Pot version of crack chicken penne is your answer. Begin by using the sauté function to cook the bacon until crispy. Then, brown the chicken lightly to seal in flavor. Toss in your uncooked penne, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning.
Seal the lid and set it to pressure cook for just five minutes. After it finishes, allow a quick natural release, then open and stir in cream cheese, bacon, and cheddar. The pasta will be tender and coated in a thick, cheesy sauce that’s ready to serve in under half an hour.
This Instant Pot method is perfect for those nights when you’re juggling work, family, and meal prep. It’s right up there with go-to recipes like garlic steak lightning noodles—quick to make and full of satisfying flavor.
What to Serve with Crack Chicken Penne & Creative Add-Ins
Easy Sides to Round Out the Dish
Crack chicken penne is creamy, hearty, and filling—but a smart side dish can elevate it into a well-balanced meal. Instead of repeating those rich flavors, aim for something light or crisp to keep things interesting.
A chilled cucumber salad with a splash of lemon adds a bright contrast to the creamy sauce. Steamed asparagus or sautéed bell peppers bring a fresh snap that breaks up the richness. One of my favorite tricks? Slicing up some cherry tomatoes, tossing them with basil and balsamic, and serving them as a quick and refreshing side.
On nights when we’re craving comfort all the way, I’ll toast some thick sourdough slices brushed with olive oil and garlic. They’re perfect for scooping up any leftover cheesy sauce from the plate—my husband calls it the “mop-up course.”
And when I make the crack chicken penne crock pot style for guests, I like to set it up buffet-style with a variety of sides, almost like a pasta bar. A big bowl of greens, a tray of sweet chili chicken bowls, and a handful of fresh lemon wedges make it a fun and crowd-friendly dinner option.
Ways to Mix It Up with Add-Ins
If you love this recipe and want to keep it exciting week after week, it’s easy to change up the flavors with a few simple add-ins.
- Shredded kale or chopped spinach: Stir in during the last few minutes of cooking. They soften just enough and bring a nice earthy layer to the dish.
- Roasted squash cubes: A great way to add sweetness and bulk—especially good in fall or winter.
- Fire-roasted red peppers: These bring a soft texture and a slightly smoky edge without overwhelming the sauce.
- Sliced olives: Great for a tangy, briny pop that cuts through the richness.
- Hot sauce drizzle: Just a dash or two of your favorite spicy blend can give it a kick and bring the whole dish to life.
I often batch this crack chicken penne recipe for weekly lunches. To keep it interesting, I divide it into portions and stir something different into each one. One gets peppers, another a bit of hot sauce, and maybe a scoop of chopped kale in another. It’s a simple way to keep lunch from getting boring.
And if I have more mouths to feed or want to stretch the pasta a little further, I’ll serve it alongside something filling like crockpot-style steak and potatoes. Together, they make for a warm, satisfying meal that covers all the bases.
Crack Chicken Penne: FAQs Answered
What is crack seasoning on chicken?
Crack seasoning usually refers to a blend that includes dry ranch seasoning, garlic, onion, and sometimes a touch of spice. In the crack chicken penne recipe, we use ranch seasoning mix, which pairs incredibly well with cream cheese and cheddar. It gives the chicken that bold, tangy flavor that keeps you coming back for another forkful.
What is the difference between penne and pasta?
Penne is a specific type of pasta, shaped like short tubes with angled edges. It’s ideal for dishes like crack chicken penne because the sauce clings to the ridges, making every bite flavorful. “Pasta” is the general term for all shapes—spaghetti, rotini, farfalle, and more.
Do you put cream of chicken soup in crack chicken?
Some crack chicken variations use canned cream of chicken soup as a shortcut, but in this crack chicken penne recipe, the creaminess comes naturally from cream cheese and cheddar. That way, you skip the preservatives and keep the texture silkier and more homemade.
What goes well with crack chicken?
Crack chicken pairs wonderfully with simple sides that bring freshness or texture. Light salads, lemon-roasted vegetables, or even a tangy slaw cut through the richness. If you want to go all-in, serve it with a slice of buttered chicken noodle bake or keep things balanced with something crisp like a balsamic veggie mix.
Final Thoughts: One-Pot Magic in Every Bite
If you’re after a dish that brings bold flavor, creamy comfort, and minimal cleanup, this crack chicken penne recipe should be your next go-to. Whether you’re tossing everything in a Dutch oven, letting it simmer low and slow in the crock pot, or speeding things up in the Instant Pot, you’re always just one pot away from a satisfying, protein-packed meal.
This recipe isn’t just about ease—it’s about joy. It’s the kind of dish that turns a regular evening into something worth savoring. And with so many ways to customize it, you’ll never get bored. From bacon and ranch to the creamy cheddar finish, every bite feels like a reward.
Need more ideas like this? You’ll love recipes like creamy rotini parmesan chicken or garlic steak noodles—they follow the same theme: full of flavor, easy to make, and impossible to resist.
Looking for more high-protein meal ideas and kitchen tips? Follow along on Facebook and Pinterest for daily inspiration!
