Creamy Ranch Chicken Penne

This creamy Crack Chicken Penne combines all your favorite comfort food elements into one irresistible dish. The rich, tangy sauce coats every bite of pasta, while tender chicken and crispy bacon add satisfying protein. It's become my go-to dinner when I need something foolproof that everyone will devour.

I first created this recipe during a particularly busy week when I needed something quick but still special enough to brighten our evening. My family was instantly obsessed and now it appears on our table at least twice a month. The combination of ranch seasoning with cream cheese creates that addictive flavor that gives this dish its playful name.

Ingredients

• Penne pasta forms the hearty base and perfectly captures the creamy sauce in its ridges
• Shredded cooked chicken use rotisserie chicken for the quickest prep time and best flavor
• Ranch seasoning mix the secret ingredient that provides that cravable tangy flavor
• Cream cheese creates the velvety smooth sauce base when melted
• Sharp cheddar cheese adds depth and richness to the sauce
• Cooked bacon provides smoky crunch and makes this dish truly irresistible
• Chicken broth thins the sauce while adding more savory flavor
• Heavy cream creates luxurious richness in the sauce
• Olive oil for sautéing the aromatics that build flavor
• Onion and garlic form the flavor foundation of any good sauce
• Fresh parsley adds brightness and color to finish the dish

How To Make Crack Chicken Penne

Prepare the pasta

Cook penne according to package directions in heavily salted water until al dente. This typically takes 9 to 11 minutes depending on your brand. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining in case you need to thin your sauce later. Never rinse your pasta after cooking as the starch helps the sauce adhere better.

Create the flavor base

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the diced onion and cook for about 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown or it will taste bitter.

Develop the creamy sauce

Reduce heat to low and add the softened cream cheese and ranch seasoning mix. Use a wooden spoon to break up the cream cheese and stir constantly until it melts completely and combines with the seasoning, about 2 minutes. The mixture will look thick and somewhat clumpy at first but will smooth out as you continue stirring.

Perfect the texture

Gradually pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream while continuously stirring. This gradual addition prevents lumps from forming. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 3 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still flow smoothly.

Incorporate the proteins

Add the shredded chicken, half of the cooked bacon pieces, and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir gently until the cheese completely melts and all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 2 minutes to marry the flavors.

Combine and finish

Add the drained penne directly to the sauce in the skillet. Gently toss everything together until each pasta piece is thoroughly coated with the creamy mixture. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Garnish and serve

Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with the remaining bacon pieces and fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Ranch seasoning is truly the magical ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its transformative powers years ago when experimenting with different flavor profiles for pasta dishes. My daughter actually named it Crack Chicken because she claimed it was impossible to stop eating once you started. While I originally worried about the name, it stuck in our family cookbook and perfectly describes how addictive this comfort food truly is.

Storing Leftovers

This Crack Chicken Penne stays delicious for up to 3 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. I recommend transferring leftovers to an airtight container once they've cooled to room temperature. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to revitalize the sauce, as pasta tends to absorb liquid during storage. For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium low heat rather than using a microwave, which can make the sauce separate and the pasta rubbery.

Easy Substitutions

Don't have every ingredient on hand? This recipe is forgiving and adaptable. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half the cream cheese and use milk instead of heavy cream. Turkey bacon works wonderfully in place of traditional pork bacon. Any short pasta shape can replace penne try rotini, bow ties, or shells. If you're out of ranch seasoning, create your own blend with dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and a pinch of dried buttermilk powder.

Serving Suggestions

Crack Chicken Penne is substantial enough to serve as a complete meal, but I often pair it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a more substantial spread, add garlic bread or homemade breadsticks for dipping into extra sauce. When entertaining, I serve this in a large shallow bowl with extra toppings on the side so guests can customize their portions with additional cheese, bacon, or red pepper flakes for heat.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the penne with any medium-sized pasta shape like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle. The key is choosing a pasta that will hold the creamy sauce well in its crevices.

→ How do I cook chicken for this dish?

For quick preparation, use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken. Alternatively, you can poach chicken breasts in seasoned water for about 15 minutes until cooked through, then shred with two forks.

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish up to 2 days ahead. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy consistency.

→ Is there a lighter version of this dish?

For a lighter version, substitute regular cream cheese with light cream cheese, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of bacon and cheese. You can also add vegetables like spinach, peas, or broccoli.

→ What can I serve with Crack Chicken Penne?

This rich dish pairs well with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. For a complete meal, add a side of steamed broccoli or a light Caesar salad to balance the creaminess.

→ Why is it called 'Crack Chicken'?

The term 'Crack Chicken' refers to the addictively delicious combination of chicken, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and bacon. The name comes from how irresistible this flavor combination is!