When the day has been long and your energy is running low, there’s nothing quite like a comforting, creamy pasta dish to lift your spirits. That’s exactly what Crack Chicken Penne offers—a delightful escape into a bowl of pure indulgence. Imagine tender chicken and crispy bacon mingling in a luscious cream cheese sauce that perfectly clings to every piece of penne, creating a dish that’s rich, satisfying, and oh-so-easy to prepare.
I stumbled upon this recipe during a weeknight dinner dilemma when I needed something quick yet special enough to impress my family. With just one pot and simple pantry staples, this meal transformed into a show-stopper, leaving everyone at the table asking for seconds. It’s versatile too; whether you’re feeding a crowd or whipping up a cozy dinner for two, you can easily customize it based on what you have on hand. Get ready to redefine comfort food, because this Crack Chicken Penne is about to steal the spotlight in your kitchen!
Why is Crack Chicken Penne a Must-Try?
One-Pot Simplicity: This meal is a breeze to make with minimal cleanup, letting you savor every delicious bite.
Indulgent Creaminess: The combination of cream cheese and heavy cream creates a luxurious sauce that perfectly coats the pasta.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Its rich flavors make it a hit for family dinners or gatherings, leaving everyone satisfied.
Customizable to Taste: Have fun with variations! Swap in different proteins, veggies, or cheeses for a personal touch.
Quick Preparation: In just 30 minutes, you can serve up a dinner that feels like a treat!
Dive into this creamy delight that promises not just a meal, but a comforting experience!
Crack Chicken Penne Ingredients
For the Pasta
• Penne Pasta – Forms the heart of this creamy dish; feel free to swap for any short pasta like rotini or rigatoni.
For the Chicken
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (1 lb) – Delivers protein to keep you satisfied; you can use rotisserie or leftover chicken for ultimate convenience.
For the Bacon
• Thick-Cut Bacon (6 slices) – Infuses smoky flavor and crunchy texture; consider turkey bacon for a lighter version.
For the Sauce
• Heavy Cream (1 cup) – Provides a rich, velvety base; whole milk may work for a lighter, thinner sauce.
• Cream Cheese (8 oz, cubed) – The star of creaminess; allow it to soften a bit before adding for easier melting.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup) – Boosts both creaminess and flavor; swap out for a dairy-free option if needed.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup) – Adds a delightful sharpness to round out the sauce.
For Seasoning
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced) – Brings aromatic depth; fresh garlic elevates the whole dish!
• Onion Powder (1 teaspoon) – Enhances the savory notes beautifully.
• Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon) – Adds a subtle smokiness that’s just delicious.
• Dried Parsley (1 teaspoon) – Offers a touch of freshness; feel free to use fresh herbs like thyme or chives for variety.
• Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon), Salt (1/2 teaspoon) – Essential seasonings to bring everything together; adjust to suit your taste.
For the Cooking Liquid
• Chicken Broth (2 cups) – Acts as the flavorful cooking liquid; vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option.
For Garnish
• Fresh Parsley (for garnish) – Lends a splash of color and freshness when serving.
Prepare to indulge in this delightful Crack Chicken Penne that’s not just a recipe, but a comforting experience!
How to Make Crack Chicken Penne
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Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy (5–7 minutes). Once done, remove the bacon, leaving about 1 tablespoon of the grease in the skillet for added flavor.
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Sear the Chicken: Add olive oil to the skillet, season and sear diced chicken until golden brown (5–6 minutes). Remove and set the chicken aside to keep it tender and juicy.
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Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). This step infuses the dish with beautiful aromatic flavors that enhance the overall taste.
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Combine Liquids: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This will add depth to your sauce.
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Add Pasta: Stir in uncooked penne pasta; bring to a boil, then cover and simmer (12–14 minutes) until the pasta is al dente. The pasta will absorb all those amazing flavors!
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Incorporate Creaminess: Mix in cream cheese until melted, then add shredded cheddar and Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and creamy, inviting everyone to dig in.
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Reintroduce Chicken and Bacon: Return the cooked chicken and crispy bacon to the skillet; stir and simmer for another 2–3 minutes. This allows all the components to meld together beautifully.
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Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your creamy, indulgent bowl of Crack Chicken Penne that’s sure to please!
Optional: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Crack Chicken Penne Variations
Create a unique spin on this comforting dish and let your creativity shine in the kitchen!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute penne with gluten-free pasta to enjoy this dish without compromising your dietary needs. It’s just as delicious and creamy!
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Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with chickpeas for a protein-packed vegetarian option. The flavors meld beautifully with the creamy sauce.
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Different Cheeses: Experiment with cheeses like Gouda or mozzarella for a different flavor profile. Each cheese brings its own unique creaminess and taste.
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Creamy Spinach: Stir in fresh or frozen spinach at the end for added nutrients and a pop of color, balancing the richness of the dish.
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Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for those who love a little heat. It elevates the flavors and adds a delightful twist.
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Herb Infusion: Fresh basil or oregano combined with parsley can elevate the flavor to new heights, adding an aromatic essence to the creamy sauce.
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Nutty Texture: Toss in toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a crunchy texture contrast that’s both satisfying and delicious.
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Mushroom Medley: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy elements of the dish. It’s a hearty twist you won’t want to miss!
Make Ahead Options
Crack Chicken Penne is an excellent choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a comforting dish while saving precious time during busy weeknights! You can chop and prepare all ingredients, including the chicken and bacon, up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate them in airtight containers. For the sauce, mix the cream cheese, heavy cream, and shredded cheese together, storing this mixture separately to maintain its creamy texture. When you’re ready to serve, cook everything in one pot as instructed, but remember to add a splash of broth or cream if reheating the sauce to keep it just as delicious. This strategy not only ensures a quick dinner but also enhances flavors, making your Crack Chicken Penne even more scrumptious!
What to Serve with Crack Chicken Penne?
Looking to create an unforgettable meal experience that perfectly complements your creamy, indulgent pasta dish?
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Garlic Bread: The crispy, buttery texture pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce, providing a satisfying crunch. Plus, it’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of that rich goodness.
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Green Salad: A fresh, vibrant salad with crunchy greens and tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta, balancing the meal perfectly.
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Steamed Broccoli: Tender and vibrant, steamed broccoli adds a pop of color and a nutritious element without overpowering the dish’s flavors.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring an earthy flavor and caramelization that enhance the overall complexity of your dinner.
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Wine Pairing: A chilled Chardonnay enhances the creaminess of the sauce while complementing the smoky bacon. Its flavors make each bite even more delightful.
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Chocolate Mousse: A silky dessert to end your meal on a sweet note! Its lightness provides a lovely finish after the hearty pasta dish.
Embrace these pairings to elevate your dining experience and create lasting memories around the table!
How to Store and Freeze Crack Chicken Penne
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make sure it’s cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess. Stir gently until warmed through.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dish a day in advance, just store it in the fridge before baking. When you’re ready, heat it up and enjoy your comforting Crack Chicken Penne!
Expert Tips for Crack Chicken Penne
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Prep Ingredients: Ensure all components are prepped and ready before starting to make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
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Softened Cream Cheese: Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before adding to the pan for easier melting and a smoother sauce.
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Watch the Sauce: If the sauce thickens too much during cooking, simply add a splash of chicken broth or cream while stirring to achieve the desired consistency.
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Choosing Pasta: For the best texture, stick to short pasta like penne for this Crack Chicken Penne recipe, as it holds the creamy sauce perfectly.
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Adjust Seasoning: Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end to ensure your dish hits all the right flavor notes that suit your palate.
Crack Chicken Penne Recipe FAQs
What type of pasta works best for Crack Chicken Penne?
Penne pasta is ideal for this recipe because its shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully. However, you can easily swap it for other short pasta shapes like rotini or rigatoni if you prefer.
How should I store leftovers of Crack Chicken Penne?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to let it cool before sealing to maintain freshness and flavor. Simply reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to keep it creamy.
Can I freeze Crack Chicken Penne?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it gently in a skillet, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore its creaminess.
What if my sauce turns out too thick?
If you find that your sauce is too thick, don’t worry! Just add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream while reheating, stirring gently until it reaches the desired consistency. This will ensure that your Crack Chicken Penne stays creamy and delicious.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Yes! If you’re aiming for a gluten-free option, you can substitute regular penne with gluten-free pasta. Additionally, for those watching sodium intake, consider using low-sodium chicken broth and turkey bacon for a lighter, healthier version of this scrumptious dish.
Creamy Crack Chicken Penne: Your New One-Pot Wonder Dinner
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy (5–7 minutes). Remove bacon, leaving 1 tablespoon of grease in the skillet.
- Add olive oil to the skillet, season, and sear diced chicken until golden brown (5–6 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in uncooked penne pasta; bring to a boil, then cover and simmer (12–14 minutes) until al dente.
- Mix in cream cheese until melted, then add shredded cheddar and parmesan until smooth.
- Return cooked chicken and crispy bacon to the skillet; stir and simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
