ULTIMATE CRACK CHICKEN PENNE

Picture twirling your fork around perfectly cooked penne pasta, coated in a luscious, creamy sauce bursting with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and tender shredded chicken with a hint of ranch – that’s Crack Chicken Penne! This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience your taste buds won’t soon forget, and I promise you’ll be coming back for seconds (and thirds!).

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
• 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch dressing mix
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken with two forks.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. While the chicken is cooking, cook the penne pasta according to package directions. Drain well.

Step 3: Make the Crack Chicken Sauce

1. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and dry ranch dressing mix. Mix well until smooth and creamy. If it’s a bit thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk to thin it out.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the bowl with the cream cheese mixture.
2. Stir until everything is well combined and the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
3. Gently fold in the crumbled bacon. Reserve some bacon for topping, if desired.

Step 5: Bake (Optional, but Recommended!)

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Pour the Crack Chicken Penne into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Top with additional shredded cheddar cheese and bacon crumbles, if desired.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Garnish with chopped green onions (if using) and serve hot.

Pro Tips and Tricks for Crack Chicken Penne Perfection

Don’t Overcook the Chicken

Nobody likes dry chicken! Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature. Overcooking it will result in tough, less flavorful chicken.

Softening the Cream Cheese is Key

Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will ensure a smooth and creamy sauce. If you forget to take it out of the fridge ahead of time, you can microwave it in 15-second intervals until softened, but be careful not to melt it.

Bacon Bliss

Crispy bacon is a must for this recipe! I prefer cooking my bacon in the oven for even cooking and easy cleanup. Just lay the bacon strips on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy. Drain on paper towels before crumbling.

Spice It Up!

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra kick.

Make It Ahead

You can assemble the Crack Chicken Penne ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Variations: Remixing Your Crack Chicken Penne

Crack Chicken Mac and Cheese

Swap out the penne pasta for elbow macaroni for a Crack Chicken Mac and Cheese twist. It’s just as delicious and comforting!

Crack Chicken Dip

Omit the pasta altogether and serve this as a hot dip with tortilla chips or crackers. Perfect for parties!

Add Some Veggies

Sneak in some veggies by adding cooked broccoli florets, spinach, or diced bell peppers to the pasta. It’s a great way to make this dish a little healthier.

Instant Pot Crack Chicken Penne

Want to make this even faster? Cook the chicken in your Instant Pot! Add the chicken breasts to the Instant Pot with 1 cup of chicken broth and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release. Shred the chicken and proceed with the recipe as directed.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

Side Salad

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a great way to balance out the richness of the Crack Chicken Penne.

Garlic Bread

Serve with warm garlic bread for dipping into that delicious creamy sauce.

Steamed Vegetables

Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and delicious side dishes that complement this dish perfectly.

Craving More Comfort Food? Check These Out!

If you’re a fan of creamy chicken pasta dishes, you might also enjoy Boursin Chicken Pasta. It features a luscious Boursin cheese sauce that’s simply irresistible. Alternatively, the Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni is another amazing, family-friendly option. For a casserole variation, try the Chicken Parmesan Casserole. If you want something with a bit more Mediterranean flair, the Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a great choice. And for a lighter, but still satisfying meal, consider the Chicken Spinach Penne.

Storing Leftovers: Keep the Goodness Going

Refrigerating

Store leftover Crack Chicken Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Freezing

While the texture may change slightly, you can freeze Crack Chicken Penne for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating. You might want to add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to restore some of the creaminess.

Why This Recipe Works: The Science of Deliciousness

The magic of Crack Chicken Penne lies in the combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. The cream cheese provides a rich and tangy base, while the cheddar cheese adds a sharp and nutty flavor. The ranch dressing mix brings a blend of herbs and spices that complement the chicken and bacon perfectly. When all these flavors come together, it’s a symphony of deliciousness that’s hard to resist.

Additionally, the baking step (although optional) really helps to meld all the flavors together and create a warm and comforting dish.

So, What Are You Waiting For?

This Crack Chicken Penne recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, customizable, and incredibly delicious. Gather your ingredients, follow my tips, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable meal. Happy cooking!