The Ultimate Crack Chicken Penne Recipe: Your New Family Favourite

Are you on the hunt for a dinner that is wonderfully simple to prepare but tastes like a gourmet meal? Something that will have every family member, from the fussiest little one to the most ravenous teenager, clearing their plates and eagerly asking for more? We understand the challenge of finding that perfect midweek meal. Well, we’re delighted to say your search is over. Allow us to introduce the dish set to transform your mealtimes: the sensational Crack Chicken Penne Recipe. This is the epitome of comfort food, blending succulent chicken, crisp bacon, and a rich, creamy ranch and cheddar sauce in every single forkful.

What Exactly is “Crack Chicken”?

Before we get started, we should probably explain the name. “Crack Chicken” is simply a playful term for a truly irresistible combination of flavours. It revolves around a trio of ingredients renowned for being incredibly moreish: smoky bacon, zesty ranch seasoning, and tangy, molten cheddar cheese. This blend first gained popularity in slow cooker dishes and party dips, and it’s easy to see why—it’s utterly delicious! We’ve taken that triumphant formula and evolved it into a hearty, deeply satisfying pasta dish that we’re certain will become a regular feature on your dinner table.

Why You’ll Adore This Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

We are truly confident that this will become one of your most requested meals. Here’s why we find it so special, and why we think you will too:

• Unbelievably Flavourful: The harmony of savoury bacon, zesty ranch, and rich cheese crafts a sauce that is wonderfully complex, comforting, and deeply satisfying. It’s a real taste sensation.
• Perfect for Busy Nights: This recipe is a breeze to put together, which makes it the ultimate easy weeknight dinner. You can have a delicious, steaming meal ready in about 30 minutes.
• A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: It has been tried and tested with family members of all ages. The creamy consistency and classic flavours of chicken, bacon, and cheese make it a winner for even the most particular eaters.
• Wonderfully Versatile: While we think this recipe is perfect just as it is, it also serves as a brilliant foundation for your own culinary twists. You can easily incorporate vegetables, try different cheeses, or even add a touch of spice.

The Essential Ingredients

To whip up this culinary delight, you will only need a few straightforward, commonly found ingredients. This recipe is all about transforming everyday pantry items into something truly exceptional.

• Penne Pasta: 400g
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: 2 large (about 500g), diced
• Streaky Bacon: 200g, chopped
• Cream Cheese: 200g, full-fat, softened
• Mature Cheddar Cheese: 200g, grated
• Chicken Stock: 250ml
• Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix: 1 packet (approx. 28g)
• Garlic Powder: 1 tsp
• Onion Powder: 1 tsp
• Olive Oil: 1 tbsp
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
• Fresh Chives or Spring Onions: For garnish, finely chopped

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

One of the finest qualities of this bacon chicken pasta is its adaptability. Here are a few simple swaps you might consider:

• Chicken: For an even more succulent result, chicken thighs work beautifully in this dish. If you’re short on time, using shredded meat from a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut.
• Pasta: Don’t have any penne? Not a problem! Fusilli, rigatoni, or even macaroni are excellent substitutes. They all have ridges and hollows perfect for holding onto that creamy sauce.
• Cheese: While mature cheddar provides a wonderful sharp note, feel free to experiment with a blend of cheeses. Monterey Jack, Colby, or a simple Red Leicester would all be delicious alternatives.
• Ranch Seasoning: If you’re unable to find a pre-made sachet, you can easily create your own by mixing together dried parsley, dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Perfect Crack Chicken Penne

Ready to begin? Just follow our straightforward steps to create the most luxurious and tasty creamy chicken pasta you’ve ever prepared.

1. Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the penne and cook it following the packet instructions until it reaches the al dente stage (meaning it still has a slight bite). Before you drain it, scoop out and reserve a mugful of the starchy cooking water. Then, drain the pasta and put it to one side.
2. Cook the Bacon and Chicken: As the pasta cooks, place a large, deep frying pan or a Dutch oven over a medium-high heat. Tip in the chopped bacon and fry until it’s nice and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with a paper towel, but leave the rendered fat in the pan. Add the diced chicken to the hot fat, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until it’s golden on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside with the bacon.
3. Create the Dreamy Sauce: Turn the heat down to medium-low. Add the softened cream cheese to the pan, stirring it until it has melted into the bacon fat. Gently pour in the chicken stock, whisking all the time to create a smooth base. Now, stir in the dry ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4. Melt the Cheese: Add the grated cheddar to the sauce a little at a time, stirring continuously until each handful has melted completely and the sauce is velvety and smooth. This is the key to a perfect cheesy chicken pasta sauce.
5. Combine and Conquer: Return the cooked chicken and most of the crispy bacon to the sauce (keep a little back for a garnish!). Add the drained pasta to the pan and give everything a good stir until the pasta and chicken are generously coated in the rich sauce. If it seems a bit too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
6. Serve and Garnish: Spoon the hot Crack Chicken Penne into serving bowls. Garnish with a generous scattering of the remaining crispy bacon and some finely chopped fresh chives or spring onions. Serve straight away and enjoy every bite!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Ranch Chicken Pasta

We want your dish to turn out perfectly every single time you make it. Here are some of our favourite tips to guarantee pasta perfection.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Cooking your pasta al dente is absolutely essential. It will carry on cooking for a minute or two when combined with the hot sauce. Pasta that is overcooked can turn soft and won’t stand up well to the rich, creamy sauce.

Grate Your Own Cheese

We know that pre-grated cheese is a convenient shortcut, but for the silkiest sauce, we always recommend grating a block of cheddar yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated with anti-caking agents, which can sometimes make a melted sauce feel a little grainy.

The Magic of Pasta Water

You should never underestimate the value of that starchy pasta water! It’s an amazing ingredient. The starch helps to emulsify the sauce, allowing it to cling beautifully to every piece of pasta and creating an even creamier final texture. Always remember to save some before you drain.

Getting the Chicken Just Right

You want to ensure your chicken is cooked through while remaining tender and juicy. We suggest cutting the chicken into evenly sized, bite-sized pieces to help it cook uniformly. For your peace of mind, always ensure chicken is cooked properly. As advised by the Food Standards Agency, chicken should be piping hot throughout with no pink meat, and any juices should run clear.

Variations and Fun Add-Ins

Please feel free to get creative with this recipe! It serves as a wonderful base for other ingredients and flavours.

• Add a Spicy Kick: For a bit of warmth, stir in some finely chopped jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne, or a sprinkling of red pepper flakes along with the ranch seasoning.
• Pack in Some Veggies: A few handfuls of fresh spinach can be wilted into the sauce at the very end, or you could stir through some steamed broccoli florets or cooked peas.
• Change the Flavour Profile: If you are a fan of the cheddar and ranch combination in this meal, we think you will adore our Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers for another easy family dinner idea.
• Bacon Brilliance: For another recipe that brilliantly showcases crispy, savoury bacon, have a look at our much-loved Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Should you be fortunate enough to have any left over, this dish stores very well. Simply transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can either pop it in the microwave or warm it gently in a pan on the hob. The sauce tends to thicken in the fridge, so we suggest adding a splash of milk or chicken stock as you warm it to bring back its original creamy consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about this Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can definitely prepare some of the elements in advance. Cook the chicken and bacon, then store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, all you need to do is cook the pasta and make the sauce, which takes just a few minutes. We believe it tastes its absolute best when the final assembly is done just before serving.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

The “crack chicken” element is famously well-suited to a slow cooker. You can place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker with the cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and stock, and cook on a low setting for 4-6 hours. Afterwards, shred the chicken, stir in the cheddar, and then combine it with separately cooked pasta and crispy bacon.

How can I make this gluten-free?

That’s incredibly simple! Just swap the penne for your preferred brand of gluten-free pasta. Cook it as directed on the packet, and you’re all set. The other ingredients are generally gluten-free, but it is always wise to check the labels on your ranch seasoning and chicken stock just to be sure.

What should I serve with Crack Chicken Penne?

This is a wonderfully rich and filling dish, so it doesn’t require much accompaniment. A simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or a side of steamed green beans would provide a lovely, fresh contrast. Of course, a slice of warm garlic bread is always a fantastic choice for soaking up every last drop of that incredible sauce!

Conclusion: Your New Favourite Comfort Meal Awaits

So there we have it—a simple, no-fuss, and exceptionally delicious Crack Chicken Penne Recipe that we are sure will become a treasured favourite in your household. It’s the ideal response to the daily “what’s for dinner?” dilemma, offering magnificent flavour with very little effort. This dish is proof that you don’t need complex methods or expensive ingredients to create a truly memorable meal.

So, why not give this amazing recipe a go for your next family dinner? We promise it will be a resounding success! Please do come back and let us know what you thought in the comments section below. We always love to hear from our readers! We’d be grateful if you could rate the recipe and share it with any friends who also appreciate a truly great pasta dish.