Crack Chicken Penne
A creamy, cheesy, and indulgent pasta dish featuring tender penne noodles, shredded chicken, crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, and a rich cream cheese sauce. Topped with gooey melted cheddar cheese, this dish is comfort food at its finest.
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet or saucepan
- Mixing spoon
- Colander (for draining pasta)
- Baking dish (if baking)
- Knife and cutting board (for chopping bacon)
Ingredients
- For the Dish:
- 12 ounces penne pasta or your preferred pasta shape
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken rotisserie chicken works well
- 6 slices of bacon cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 1 8 oz block of cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup ranch dressing homemade or store-bought
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese plus extra for topping
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk optional, to adjust sauce consistency
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta : Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Bacon : In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until crispy. Remove from the pan, drain on paper towels, and crumble into small pieces.
- Make the Sauce : In the same skillet (or a saucepan), melt the cream cheese over low heat, stirring constantly to avoid clumping. Once smooth, stir in the ranch dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk (if needed for a thinner consistency). Mix until the sauce is creamy and fully combined.
- Combine Ingredients : Add the cooked penne, shredded chicken, and crumbled bacon to the sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Optional Baking : For an extra cheesy topping, transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Serve : Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and shredding chicken.
Adjust the amount of ranch dressing to suit your taste preferences.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce.
Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Adjust the amount of ranch dressing to suit your taste preferences.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce.
Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.