The Best Crack Chicken Penne Recipe (Ready in 30 Minutes!)

Key Points:

• Perfect weeknight pasta dish combining creamy sauce, bacon, and tender chicken
• Made in one pot for easy cleanup
• Ready in just 30 minutes
• Serves 4 people generously

Looking for a quick pasta dish that your whole family will love? This Crack Chicken Penne combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy sauce for an irresistible meal. Let’s make this crowd-pleasing dinner together!

Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or Dutch oven (12-inch size works best)
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander
• Paper towels
• Tongs
• Instant-read thermometer (recommended)

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 strips thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 16 ounces penne pasta
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Phase (10 minutes)

1. Prepare Your Workspace:

• Clear and clean your counter space
• Read through entire recipe
• Gather all ingredients and equipment
• Place cutting board on stable surface
• Set out paper towels for bacon

1. Prepare Chicken (5 minutes):

• Remove chicken from packaging
• Pat dry with paper towels
• Place chicken breast on cutting board
• First, slice chicken breasts horizontally into 1-inch strips
• Then cut strips into 1-inch cubes
• Keep all pieces similar size for even cooking
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw chicken
• Clean cutting board and knife with hot soapy water

1. Prepare Bacon (2 minutes):

• Stack bacon strips
• Cut across strips into 1/2-inch pieces
• Use clean knife and cutting board

1. Prepare Other Ingredients (3 minutes):

• Take cream cheese out of refrigerator
• Unwrap and cut into 1-inch cubes for faster melting
• Peel garlic cloves
• Mince garlic finely (about size of rice grains)
• Measure out remaining ingredients
• Line plate with paper towels for cooked bacon

Cooking Phase (20 minutes)

1. Cook Bacon (8-10 minutes):

• Place chopped bacon in COLD large skillet
• Turn heat to medium
• Spread bacon pieces evenly
• Stir occasionally with wooden spoon
• Cook until bacon is crispy and brown
• Look for deep red color and crispy texture
• Use slotted spoon to remove bacon
• Place on paper towel-lined plate
• Leave exactly 2 tablespoons bacon fat in pan
• Pour excess fat into heat-safe container

1. Cook Chicken (5-7 minutes):

• Keep pan on medium-high heat
• Add cubed chicken to hot bacon fat
• Spread pieces so they don’t touch
• Let cook 2-3 minutes without stirring
• Check bottom – should be golden brown
• Flip pieces with tongs
• Cook another 2-3 minutes
• Cut largest piece to check doneness
• Should be white throughout, no pink
• For safety, use thermometer – should read 165°F
• Remove chicken to plate with bacon

1. Start Sauce (5 minutes):

• Reduce heat to medium
• Add minced garlic
• Stir constantly for 30 seconds
• Watch carefully – garlic burns easily
• Pour in chicken broth
• Add milk slowly while stirring
• Add cream cheese cubes
• Stir constantly until cream cheese melts
• Sauce should be smooth with no lumps
• Add ranch seasoning and pepper
• Stir to combine

1. Cook Pasta (12-15 minutes):

• Pour penne into sauce
• Push pasta down so it’s covered by liquid
• Bring to gentle simmer (small bubbles)
• Cover with lid
• Set timer for 12 minutes
• Stir every 3-4 minutes
• Test pasta at 12 minutes
• Should be tender but slightly firm
• Cook 1-3 minutes longer if needed

1. Finish the Dish (3-5 minutes):

• Return chicken and bacon to pan
• Add shredded cheddar
• Stir gently until cheese melts
• Taste sauce
• Add salt if needed
• Let stand 2 minutes to thicken

Serving (5 minutes):

1. Final Steps:

• Turn off heat
• Let rest 2-3 minutes
• Sauce will thicken slightly
• Stir gently before serving
• Portion into bowls
• Top with extra bacon bits if desired
• Sprinkle with parsley if using
• Serve immediately while hot

Troubleshooting Tips

• Sauce too thick? Add 1/4 cup hot chicken broth
• Sauce too thin? Simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes
• Pasta not cooking evenly? Ensure liquid covers pasta completely
• Cream cheese lumpy? Lower heat and whisk continuously

Variations & Substitutions

• Pasta: Any short pasta works (rotini, shells, bow ties)
• Cheese: Try pepper jack for heat or mozzarella for extra stretch
• Meat: Use rotisserie chicken or turkey for a shortcut
• Lighter version: Use light cream cheese and turkey bacon

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight container up to 3 days
• Freezer: Not recommended – cream sauce may separate
• Reheating:
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between
• Stovetop: Heat slowly with splash of milk, stirring often

Safety Notes

• Cook chicken to 165°F (74°C)
• Don’t leave cream sauce at room temperature over 2 hours
• Use fresh chicken and check expiration dates
• Wash hands after handling raw chicken
• Clean all surfaces that contact raw chicken

Pro Tips

• Room temperature cream cheese blends easier
• Don’t rinse the pasta – starch helps thicken sauce
• Cut chicken pieces uniform size for even cooking
• Save some bacon for garnish
• Stir pasta frequently to prevent sticking

Ready to serve! Top with extra cheese, bacon bits, and parsley if desired. Enjoy your homemade Crack Chicken Penne while it’s hot!