Crack Chicken Penne
Ingredients
- 6 slices smoked bacon
cut into ½-inch diced pieces, divided into ¼ cup, and remainder
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
approximately 1 pound, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ounce packet of Ranch seasoning
- 4 cups chicken stock
- ½ pound penne pasta
- 6 ounces of cream cheese
- 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 8 ounce block of Colby jack cheese
shredded, divided into 1½ cups and ½ cup
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
divided in half
Directions
- 1
In a large 12-inch skillet, on medium heat, add the diced bacon and cook for 9-11 minutes or until the fat has been rendered and the bacon pieces are crispy. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve ¼ cup of the cooked bacon for garnish. Set aside all the bacon. Drain off all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease from the skillet.
- 2
On medium-high heat, add the cubed boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced yellow onion, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes or until lightly browned. The chicken may not be all the way cooked through. That is fine because the chicken will continue to cook with the pasta.
- 3
Once the chicken has been lightly browned and the onions are tender, add the ranch seasoning and chicken stock. Bring the chicken stock to a boil, then add the penne pasta. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with the lid, and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
- 4
Remove the lid from the skillet and stir in the cream cheese and cream of chicken soup until fully combined and no lumps remain.
- 5
Add 1½ cups of the shredded Colby jack cheese, the cooked bacon pieces (except for the reserved ¼ cup), and 1 tablespoon of the chopped fresh parsley. Stir to combine.
- 6
Top the crack chicken penne with the remaining ½ cup shredded Colby jack cheese (do not stir in) and cover the skillet again with the lid for 3-4 minutes or just until the cheese has melted on top.
- 7
Remove the lid and garnish the melted cheese with the reserved ¼ cup of bacon and the remaining 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley.
Crack Chicken Penne
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 30 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Looking for the ultimate comfort food that brings together your favorite flavors in one irresistible dish? This Crack Chicken Penne is exactly what you need – a creamy, cheesy, and utterly addictive meal perfect for any night.
What makes Crack Chicken Penne so special is its decadent blend of rich ingredients: succulent chicken, crispy bacon, a double dose of cheesy goodness from Colby Jack and cream cheese, all brightened by savory ranch seasoning. It’s a flavor explosion that satisfies every craving, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together in under an hour.
Prepare yourself for a comforting, hearty meal where every forkful is a symphony of textures and tastes. You'll experience tender penne pasta coated in a luxurious, creamy sauce, studded with savory chicken pieces and bursts of smoky bacon. The shredded Colby Jack melts into an incredibly gooey finish, while the ranch seasoning infuses every bite with its signature zesty, herbaceous notes. It’s a truly indulgent dish that’s surprisingly easy to bring together, perfect for satisfying those deep comfort food cravings.
While this recipe is a star as-is, you can easily make it your own. For a different texture, consider using cooked rotisserie chicken instead of fresh chicken breasts. If you’re out of Colby Jack, a sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack would also work beautifully for a similar melt. You can also adjust the amount of ranch seasoning to suit your taste preference.
This Crack Chicken Penne is ideal for a cozy family dinner or a potluck where you want to impress with minimal effort. Serve it hot, perhaps with a simple green salad on the side to balance the richness.