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Meta Description: Looking for the ultimate comfort food? This cheesy bacon ranch crack chicken penne is creamy, indulgent, and packed with flavor. Perfect for family dinners!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Bacon Ranch Crack Chicken Penne
There’s something magical about a dish that brings together creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and perfectly seasoned chicken. It’s the kind of meal that disappears from the table within minutes, leaving everyone asking for seconds.
This cheesy bacon ranch crack chicken penne is exactly that—it’s rich, satisfying, and completely irresistible. If you love a good, hearty pasta dish that’s easy to make and full of bold flavors, this is going to be your new favorite go-to recipe.
Why This Recipe Works
✅ Incredible Flavor – A mix of cheese, ranch seasoning, bacon, and juicy chicken.
✅ One-Pot Wonder – Cook everything in one pan for easy cleanup.
✅ Meal Prep Friendly – Tastes just as good the next day (if not better!).
✅ Family Favorite – A crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
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Whether you’re making this for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this cheesy bacon ranch crack chicken penne delivers big on taste and texture.
What Makes This Crack Chicken Penne So Addictive?
The Ultimate Comfort Food Combination
This dish is all about creamy, cheesy goodness with the perfect balance of flavors. Here’s what makes it so special:
🍗 Tender, juicy chicken – Perfectly seasoned and seared.
🥓 Crispy bacon – Adds smoky, salty crunch.
🧀 Melty cheese – A mix of cheddar and cream cheese for richness.
🌿 Ranch seasoning – A tangy, herby boost that ties everything together.
🍝 Perfectly cooked penne – Holds all the sauce and flavor.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
✔ Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
✔ Takes just 30-40 minutes from start to finish.
✔ One-pan cooking means fewer dishes.
✔ Easily customizable—add veggies, swap pasta, or spice it up!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cheesy Bacon Ranch Crack Chicken Penne
Before getting started, here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Ingredients & Their Role
Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Penne Pasta | 10 oz | Holds sauce and absorbs flavors |
Bacon (chopped) | 8 slices | Adds crispy, smoky flavor |
Chicken Breasts | 1 ½ lbs | The protein base, tender and juicy |
Salt & Black Pepper | 1 tsp each | Enhances overall taste |
Yellow Onion (minced) | ½ | Adds sweetness and depth |
Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves | Essential for bold, savory flavor |
Chicken Broth | 2 cups | Helps create a creamy, flavorful sauce |
Sour Cream | 1 cup | Adds tanginess and creaminess |
Cream Cheese | 4 oz | Makes the sauce rich and velvety |
Dry Ranch Dressing Mix | 1 packet | Provides signature ranch flavor |
Dried Parsley | 2 tsp | Enhances freshness |
Cheddar Cheese (shredded) | 2 cups | Gives a cheesy, gooey texture |
Green Onions (chopped) | For garnish | Adds color and mild onion flavor |
Optional Additions & Substitutions
- Want more veggies? Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Looking for a gluten-free version? Use gluten-free pasta.
- Prefer a spicier kick? Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot sauce.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make the Best Cheesy Bacon Ranch Crack Chicken Penne
1. Cook the Pasta & Prep Ingredients
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon & Chicken
- In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Remove bacon and set aside, leaving about 1 tbsp of bacon grease in the pan.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook chicken in the same skillet for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove from the pan and let it rest before slicing into strips.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add minced onion and garlic.
- Sauté until soft and fragrant (about 2 minutes).
4. Make the Creamy Ranch Cheese Sauce
- Pour in chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in sour cream, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning.
- Mix until everything melts together into a smooth, creamy sauce.
5. Combine Everything for the Perfect Crack Chicken Penne
- Add cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and crispy bacon to the skillet.
- Stir well to coat everything in the cheesy ranch sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir until melted.
6. Garnish & Serve
- Top with chopped green onions and dried parsley.
- Serve hot with extra bacon or cheese if desired.
Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Bacon Ranch Crack Chicken Penne
Pair this dish with:
🥗 A fresh green salad – Adds a light, crisp contrast.
🥖 Garlic bread – Perfect for scooping up the extra sauce.
🥦 Roasted or steamed vegetables – Balance out the richness.
🍷 A glass of white wine – Complements the creamy, cheesy flavors.
Storage & Reheating Tips
How to Store & Keep Your Pasta Creamy
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months, but leave out the bacon until serving for best texture.
Best Way to Reheat
- Stovetop: Heat with a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creaminess.
- Microwave: Use 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Crack Chicken Penne
❌ Overcooking the pasta – Keep it al dente so it holds up in the sauce.
❌ Adding too much ranch seasoning – Start with one packet and adjust to taste.
❌ Skipping the bacon crisping step – Crispy bacon adds texture.
❌ Not stirring the sauce enough – Ensures even melting and prevents lumps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in an airtight container and reheat before serving.
2. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Add a splash of broth or milk before reheating to keep it creamy.
3. Can I make this low-carb?
Swap penne for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
4. What’s the best cheese for extra creaminess?
A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack works beautifully.
5. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Absolutely! Just shred and mix it in.
6. How do I make this spicier?
Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes.
Final Thoughts on the Best Cheesy Bacon Ranch Crack Chicken Penne
This cheesy bacon ranch crack chicken penne is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, cheesy, and absolutely addictive. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, meal prep, or a special occasion, this dish never disappoints.
Try it out and let me know—what’s your favorite way to customize it? 🍽️👇
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Cheesy Bacon Ranch Crack Chicken Penne – So Addictive!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Cheesy Bacon Ranch Crack Chicken Penne is the ultimate comfort food—loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and creamy ranch sauce. It’s rich, indulgent, and incredibly easy to make, perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner that everyone will love!
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 10 oz penne pasta
- 8 slices bacon (chopped)
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ yellow onion (minced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
For the Sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 packet dry ranch dressing mix
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
For Garnish
- 2 green onions (chopped)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon & Chicken
- In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook in the same skillet for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken, let it rest, then slice into strips.
- Make the Creamy Ranch Cheese Sauce
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth, sour cream, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Everything
- Add cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and crispy bacon to the sauce.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and mix until melted.
- Serve & Garnish
- Top with chopped green onions and dried parsley.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Swap penne for gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American