Crack Chicken Penne with Bacon

Crack Chicken Penne is pure comfort in a skillet. Loaded with tender bites of chicken, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and the irresistible tang of ranch, it is one of those meals the whole family devours in silence. It is perfect for lazy nights when you crave a creamy one-pot pasta that feels both indulgent and effortless.

The first time I tried this, it instantly became my go-to when I wanted to guarantee empty plates and happy faces. The combo of pasta and ranchy cream sauce brings back memories of game nights and laughter around our table.

Ingredients

• Smoked bacon: diced for rich smoky flavor and a crispy topping
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: cut into cubes for quick even cooking
• Yellow onion: diced for sweetness and depth get a fresh firm onion for best flavor
• Salt and black pepper: essential for seasoning every layer
• Ranch seasoning mix: gives signature tang look for one with quality herbs and no fillers
• Chicken broth: builds up the saucy base go with low sodium for more control
• Penne pasta: holds sauce perfectly choose a high-quality brand for better texture
• Cream cheese: gives luscious creaminess use block style for best melt
• Condensed cream of chicken soup: adds body and rich poultry flavor
• Colby Jack cheese: shredded for melting stay away from pre-shredded if you can
• Fresh parsley: chopped for color and freshness choose vibrant green bunches

Instructions

Cook the Bacon:

In a large skillet over medium heat cook the diced bacon slowly until it is deeply browned and crisp This should take around nine to eleven minutes Stir occasionally to make sure every piece crisps up evenly When finished transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels and remember to save a quarter cup for garnishing later Pour off all but about two tablespoons of bacon fat so your sauce will be flavorful but not greasy

Brown the Chicken and Onions:

Season the cubed chicken well with salt and pepper Add it to the skillet along with the diced onions Let the chicken cook undisturbed for two or three minutes to develop a golden color on one side Then stir and continue cooking another three minutes until the chicken is just cooked on the edges but still juicy inside The onions should soften and release their sweetness and coat the chicken in flavor

Simmer the Pasta:

Sprinkle in the ranch seasoning for a blast of herby flavor Pour in chicken broth and stir well to combine Bring everything to a gentle boil then add the dry penne pasta Give it a thorough stir reduce heat to low and cover Let this mixture gently simmer for fifteen to twenty minutes Stir halfway through to prevent sticking When the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed you are ready for the next step

Make It Creamy:

Remove the lid stir in the cubed cream cheese and condensed cream of chicken soup Let the heat melt the cream cheese as you stir until you have a smooth silky sauce Fold in one and a half cups shredded Colby Jack almost all the cooked bacon and a tablespoon of chopped parsley Your mixture will be lusciously creamy and deeply flavored

Finish and Serve:

Scatter the remaining half cup of Colby Jack over the pasta but do not stir Cover the skillet for two to three minutes to melt the cheese into a gooey topping Remove the lid and shower over the reserved bacon and another big sprinkle of parsley Serve right away while everything is still bubbly and hot

Colby Jack is my favorite cheese for this recipe and it melts into that golden bubbly layer my kids cannot resist I love how every scoop gets some crispy bacon and ranchy cream sometimes we make it just as an excuse to linger a little longer at the dinner table

Storage Tips

Crack Chicken Penne keeps well in the fridge for up to three days Store it in an airtight container Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to restore the creamy texture You can even freeze individual portions if you want a quick lunch later

Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily swap rotisserie chicken for quicker prep instead of raw chicken Try Monterey Jack or a sharp cheddar for a twist on the cheese Turkey bacon works if you want to lighten things up For gluten free use your favorite gluten free penne and make sure your soup is certified gluten free

Serving Suggestions

This pasta is plenty hearty on its own but a crisp green salad with vinaigrette adds welcome freshness Garlic bread or steamed broccoli are also classic partners Serve family style so everyone can dig into that cheesy top layer together

Cultural and Historical Context

Crack Chicken is a legendary combo in American home cooking originally popping up in casseroles and slow cooker spreads The ranch bacon and cheese trio is about comfort and crowd-pleasing Creamy pasta dinners like this became popular for bringing families together on busy weeknights

Seasonal Adaptations

Chopped fresh chives or baby spinach can add a spring touch In colder months go heavier with the bacon and cheese for maximum richness Summer garden tomatoes diced and tossed in at the end brighten up the dish

Success Stories

I have taken this Crack Chicken Penne to countless potlucks and without fail someone always asks for the recipe Plenty of busy parents thank me for giving them a dish that the whole family will love even picky eaters

Freezer Meal Conversion

Let the finished pasta cool completely then spoon into freezer safe containers and freeze up to two months When ready to eat thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently adding a bit more broth if needed The sauce revives beautifully

I once tried using pre-shredded cheese and learned that nothing beats grating it yourself for the smoothest result

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, rotini or rigatoni work well. Adjust cooking times as needed for different shapes.

→ How can I make it less rich?

Substitute light cream cheese or use less Colby Jack cheese for a lighter dish.

→ Is it possible to make this ahead?

Prepare in advance and reheat gently. Add a splash of broth or milk to refresh the sauce before serving.

→ Can I use leftover cooked chicken?

Yes, add it after the pasta is cooked to warm through without drying out the chicken pieces.

→ What can I use instead of ranch seasoning?

Blend garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and parsley for a homemade alternative.