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This Crack Chicken Penne recipe is one of my family's absolute favorites. I created it during a busy weeknight when I needed something quick but satisfying. The combination of tender pasta smothered in a rich cream sauce with chunks of chicken and crispy bacon bits makes this dish completely irresistible.
A Recipe Worth Making Tonight
Trust me your whole family will devour this dish. I've made it countless times for weeknight dinners and potlucks and the pan is always scraped clean. The cream cheese sauce wraps everything in this cozy blanket of flavor while the ranch seasoning adds that perfect kick that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Kitchen Essentials
- Penne Pasta: The ridges catch every bit of that amazing sauce.
- Bacon: I love how it adds smokiness and crunch.
- Chicken Breast: Cut them into bite sized pieces for quick cooking.
- Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded melts so much better.
- Ranch Seasoning: My secret ingredient that makes everything pop.
- Garlic and Onion: They create the perfect savory base.
- Cream Cheese & Sour Cream: This duo makes everything ultra creamy.
- Chicken Broth: Adds richness to the sauce.
How to Put It All Together
- Start With the Pasta
- Get your water boiling and cook the penne until it's tender but still has a bite.
- Bacon Time
- Cook it until super crispy save those precious drippings for extra flavor.
- Cook the Chicken
- Use those bacon drippings to give your chicken amazing flavor.
- Create Your Sauce
- Mix everything together until it's silky smooth and coats the back of a spoon.
- Bring It Together
- Toss your pasta chicken and bacon in that luxurious sauce let it all get happy.
Keep It Fresh
Pop your leftovers in the fridge they'll stay delicious for 3 to 4 days. If you want to freeze some for later portion it out in containers it lasts about 2 months. When you're ready to eat just warm it up slowly with a splash of milk to bring back that creamy goodness.
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Switch Things Up
Sometimes I swap turkey for chicken when that's what I have on hand. My kids love it when I throw in some broccoli or spinach and nobody complains about eating their veggies. Lately I've been mixing in different cheese combinations pepper jack adds a nice kick that my husband absolutely loves.
Quick and Easy Dinner Solution
I know how crazy weeknights can get. This recipe has saved me so many times when I need to get dinner on the table fast. Everything cooks in one pot and the cleanup is minimal which means more time to actually sit and enjoy dinner with my family.
What to Serve with It
We love this with a simple garden salad on the side. Sometimes I'll throw together some quick garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce. My daughter always asks for steamed broccoli with hers and honestly the combination is perfect.
A Hit with the Little Ones
Even my pickiest eater cleans their plate when I make this. The familiar pasta and cheese combo wins them over every time. My son loves sprinkling extra cheese on top and my daughter has started helping me make it it's become our special cooking time together.
Complete Your Meal
The best part about this dish is how it pairs with simple sides. I usually toss together a quick salad with whatever greens are in my fridge. When we're feeling extra hungry I'll add some crusty bread or those frozen garlic knots that taste homemade after a few minutes in the oven.
Prep It Early
I love getting everything ready in the morning when I know we have a busy evening ahead. The sauce actually gets even better as it sits. Just remember to give it a good stir and maybe add a splash of milk when you reheat it to keep that creamy texture we all love.
Everyone's Favorite
This recipe has become famous in our house and among our friends. The combination of pasta cream sauce and those little bites of bacon makes everyone happy. My neighbor even asked for the recipe after trying it at our last block party.
Next Day Magic
Sometimes I think the leftovers taste even better. I pack them for lunch the next day and my coworkers always ask what smells so good. The flavors just keep developing and that cream sauce stays rich and delicious.
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What Makes This Recipe Special
This dish brings together all my favorite things about comfort food. The way the sauce hugs each piece of pasta the bits of bacon that add the perfect crunch and how everything comes together to create something truly crave worthy. It's become one of those recipes that just feels like home.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why rinse pasta with cold water?
- Rinsing stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from getting mushy. It also keeps the pasta from sticking while you prepare the sauce.
- → Why keep some bacon grease?
- A tablespoon of bacon grease adds flavor when cooking the chicken. The rendered fat helps carry the bacon flavor throughout the dish.
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
- Yes, any medium pasta shape that can hold sauce works well. Try rotini, fusilli, or bow ties as alternatives to penne.
- → Why cube the chicken?
- One-inch cubes cook quickly and evenly, and are the perfect size for eating with pasta. They also help ensure every bite has some chicken.
- → Can I make this ahead?
- While best fresh, leftovers keep well in the fridge. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to maintain the creamy texture.