Creamy. Cheesy. Addictive. The Ultimate Comfort Food Pasta Bake!
If comfort food had a crown, Crack Chicken Penne would wear it proudly. This viral-worthy recipe combines everything you love in one irresistible dish: tender shredded chicken, smoky bacon, creamy ranch-seasoned cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s rich, indulgent, and has that "can’t-stop-eating" vibe that makes it a hit with families and potlucks alike.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy dinner, this dish is quick enough for a weeknight but tasty enough to serve at gatherings. Think of it as a loaded mac & cheese meets chicken bacon ranch—pure crack-worthy flavor!
🛒 Ingredients
Serves: 6 | Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Total: 40 mins
For the Base:
- Penne pasta – 300g
- Cooked chicken breast – 350g, shredded
- Bacon – 150g, cooked and crumbled
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon (15ml)
- Garlic – 2 cloves (6g), minced
- Cream cheese – 150g, softened
- Sour cream – 100g
- Whole milk – 200ml
- Cheddar cheese – 200g, shredded
- Mozzarella cheese – 100g, shredded
- Ranch seasoning – 1 tablespoon (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt – ½ tsp, to taste
- Black pepper – ¼ tsp
👨🍳 Instructions
🍝 Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil the penne in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
🍗 Step 2: Sauté and Build the Base
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
- Add cream cheese, sour cream, and milk. Stir until creamy and smooth.
- Mix in ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until melted.
🧀 Step 3: Combine Chicken, Bacon & Pasta
- Add shredded chicken and half of the cooked bacon to the cheese sauce.
- Fold in the cooked penne pasta and mix until everything is coated in cheesy goodness.
🔥 Step 4: Bake It to Golden Glory
- Transfer everything to a greased 9x13 baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and remaining bacon.
- Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
🌿 Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Top with chopped chives or parsley for a fresh pop of color. Serve hot and watch it disappear!
🍽️ Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 32g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
🧠 Note: This is an indulgent dish! Pair it with a green salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal.
💡 Tips & Tricks
- Shortcut it: Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
- Go spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños for heat.
- Make it low-carb: Swap penne for cooked cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
- Double it: This recipe is freezer-friendly—assemble, cover, and freeze unbaked.
🍲 My Twist: Crack Chicken Penne Skillet
For a one-pan version, skip the baking step entirely! After stirring everything together in the skillet, just top with cheese, cover, and cook on low until melted and gooey. Same great flavor, fewer dishes. Perfect for lazy nights!
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave individual portions or warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until hot.
- Freeze: Freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
Leave a Reply