Penne pasta and chicken have always been friends, but this recipe feels like the moment they decided to move in together. The sauce is creamy without being heavy, the pasta holds onto every drop, and the chicken brings comfort that makes the whole dish worth a second serving. I like how penne keeps its shape when it’s baked or tossed around in sauce—it never quits on you. That’s why I keep penne recipes close whenever I want something filling but easy enough not to scare me off. When I first made this, I thought it might be another one of those penne pasta recipes that tastes good the first night and then just sits in the fridge. But no—this one sticks around in a good way. Leftovers hold up, which makes this recipe chicken friendly for meal prep too. I’ve served it on busy weeknights, brought it to potlucks, and reheated it after long days. Each time, the bowl came back empty. Chicken recipes usually get called easy or quick, but this one deserves it. It doesn’t ask much of you, other than stirring, waiting, and then grabbing a fork. Whether you love easy penne pasta recipes for their simplicity or you just want a recipe chicken dish that makes sense after a long day, this one feels like a safe bet.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
3) Ingredients for Crack Chicken Penne
4) How to Make Crack Chicken Penne
5) Tips for Making Crack Chicken Penne
6) Making Crack Chicken Penne Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Crack Chicken Penne
8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
9) Crack Chicken Penne
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

A creamy and comforting pasta dish with chicken, cheddar, and ranch seasoning
Penne pasta holds sauce well, making it ideal for baked or skillet meals
Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family dinners
Leftovers taste just as good the next day, great for meal prep

2) Easy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

When I think of chicken recipes that save the day, this one always comes to mind. It starts with simple pantry items and turns them into something that feels cozy and filling without demanding too much time or energy. I like that it fits into the group of easy penne pasta recipes while still tasting like something I would order at a restaurant. There is balance in every bite, from the creamy sauce to the salty bacon to the chewy pasta that soaks it all in.

I have tried plenty of penne pasta recipes that either lean too heavy or fall flat, but this one lands right in the middle. The chicken makes it hearty, the cheese makes it rich, and the pasta keeps it grounded. It is the type of recipe chicken lovers want on rotation because it does not feel repetitive. Every time I make it, I end up thinking of another reason to make it again soon.

Comfort food does not always travel well, yet this dish works both at home and away. I have packed it for work lunches, reheated it for late dinners, and even shared it at casual gatherings. No one complains, and everyone asks for the recipe, which is always a good sign. If you enjoy penne recipes that check off taste, ease, and consistency, you will probably keep coming back to this one too.

3) Ingredients for Crack Chicken Penne

Penne Pasta: This is the backbone of the dish. Penne has ridges that hold sauce well, which means every bite feels coated and satisfying. You can use other short pasta, but penne works best here.

Chicken Breast: I like using diced chicken breast since it cooks quickly and blends into the sauce without feeling too heavy. It adds the kind of protein that makes the whole dish complete.

Olive Oil: A quick drizzle in the pan keeps the chicken from sticking and adds a subtle richness. It is a small step but one that matters.

Ranch Seasoning Mix: This is where the flavor shortcut comes in. A packet of ranch seasoning brings savory notes that make the dish taste layered without much effort.

Cream Cheese: When melted into the sauce, cream cheese creates a smooth texture that clings to the pasta. It balances the sharpness of cheddar cheese and adds depth.

Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar melts into the dish, bringing sharpness and comfort. It ties the sauce together and makes the dish extra satisfying.

Chicken Broth: A little broth helps thin the sauce while keeping it flavorful. It keeps the texture creamy instead of sticky.

Bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon adds crunch and smokiness. It is the surprise ingredient that wakes up the dish.

Green Onions: Fresh slices of green onion brighten the flavors and make the dish look more inviting.

Salt and Black Pepper: Simple, but without them the dish would feel flat. They balance and lift the flavors.

4) How to Make Crack Chicken Penne

Step 1. Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside. I find that keeping it slightly firm helps it hold up better once the sauce comes in.

Step 2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and add the diced chicken. Season with salt, pepper, and the ranch mix. Cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through.

Step 3. Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese. It melts into the skillet and turns the base into a creamy mixture that holds everything together.

Step 4. Add chicken broth and stir gently. This helps loosen the sauce while keeping the flavor rich.

Step 5. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet along with cheddar cheese and bacon. Mix until the pasta is coated in sauce and the cheese melts.

Step 6. Top with sliced green onions before serving. I like to add a few extra crumbles of bacon too, just for fun.

5) Tips for Making Crack Chicken Penne

Use freshly shredded cheese if you can. It melts smoother and makes the sauce feel silkier. Pre-shredded cheese works too, but it sometimes clumps instead of blending in well.

Don’t skip salting the pasta water. It is the only chance the pasta gets to season from the inside, and it makes a difference once it is coated in sauce.

Let the cream cheese come to room temperature before cooking. It softens faster in the skillet and melts into the sauce without lumps. Trust me, cold cream cheese straight from the fridge will fight you every step of the way.

6) Making Crack Chicken Penne Ahead of Time

This dish works well as a make-ahead recipe. I like to cook the pasta slightly under al dente if I plan to reheat it later, since it softens more in the sauce. The flavors deepen in the fridge, which makes it just as good the next day, if not better.

If I am making it for a gathering, I prepare everything ahead but save the bacon and green onions for last. That way, the crunch and freshness don’t get lost. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the oven, and it tastes like you just made it.

Sometimes I divide it into portions for meal prep. It keeps me from eating it all at once and gives me a reliable dinner waiting in the fridge. That’s a win in my book.

7) Storing Leftover Crack Chicken Penne

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container, and they last up to three days in the fridge. The pasta holds its shape, and the sauce stays creamy. To reheat, I add a splash of broth or milk to bring the sauce back to life.

Microwave works fine for single servings, but if you have more, reheating on the stove gives better texture. Just stir often and keep the heat low. The bacon softens a bit, but the flavor stays bold.

It freezes decently too, though I prefer eating it fresh or from the fridge. If you do freeze it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. It won’t taste brand new, but it still works on busy nights.

8) Try these Main Course recipes next!

9) Crack Chicken Penne