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My family goes wild for this Crack Chicken Penne dish. I whipped it up one hectic evening when I needed something fast but filling. You can't resist the combo of soft pasta drenched in creamy sauce with juicy chicken pieces and crunchy bacon throughout.
A Dish You'll Want Tonight
Your family will clean their plates, guaranteed. I've brought this to countless dinners and gatherings, and there's never anything left. The creamy cheese sauce blankets everything in pure comfort while the ranch flavoring gives it that extra something that'll have everyone reaching for more.
Must-Have Ingredients
- Bacon: Adds that smoky flavor and wonderful crunch.
- Cheddar Cheese: Grate it yourself for the smoothest melting.
- Chicken Breast: Chop into small chunks so they cook quickly.
- Penne Pasta: Those grooves capture all the yummy sauce.
- Onion and Garlic: They build the tasty foundation.
- Ranch Seasoning: The hidden gem that makes everything taste amazing.
- Sour Cream & Cream Cheese: The pair that creates ultimate creaminess.
- Chicken Broth: Gives the sauce its depth.
How to Put It All Together
- Bring It Together
- Mix your pasta, chicken and bacon into that dreamy sauce and let the flavors mingle.
- Create Your Sauce
- Stir everything until smooth and thick enough to coat your spoon.
- Cook the Chicken
- Brown it in the bacon fat for knockout flavor.
- Bacon Time
- Fry until extra crispy and keep that flavorful fat in the pan.
- Start With the Pasta
- Cook your penne in bubbling water until it's got just a little firmness left.
Store It Right
Stash leftovers in your fridge and they'll taste great for up to 4 days. Want to save some for later? Divide into containers and freeze for about 2 months. When you're ready to eat, warm it slowly and add a tiny bit of milk to bring back that smooth, creamy texture.
Switch Things Up
I often use turkey instead of chicken when that's what's in my fridge. My kids actually eat their veggies when I toss in some broccoli or spinach. These days I've been playing with different cheese blends - my husband can't get enough of the version with pepper jack for a bit of heat.
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Fast Weeknight Answer
Weeknights can be total chaos. This meal has come to my rescue countless times when dinner needs to happen fast. Everything cooks in one pot with hardly any cleanup, so I get more time to sit down and enjoy eating with my family.
Perfect Side Pairings
We usually pair this with a basic green salad. Sometimes I'll throw together some buttery garlic bread that's perfect for scooping up extra sauce. My daughter always wants steamed broccoli with hers, and honestly, they go together perfectly.
Kid-Approved Dinner
Even my fussiest child finishes every bite of this. They can't resist the familiar combo of pasta and cheese. My son loves adding extra cheese on top, and my daughter now helps me cook it - it's become our special bonding activity.
Round Out Your Meal
This dish works so well with easy sides. I usually toss whatever greens I have into a quick salad. When we're extra hungry, I'll add some crusty bread or those store-bought garlic knots that taste homemade after warming in the oven.
Make It Ahead
I often get everything ready in the morning when I know our evening will be crazy busy. The sauce actually tastes better after sitting awhile. Just remember to stir it well and maybe add a touch of milk when reheating to keep that wonderful creamy texture.
Crowd Pleaser
This dish has gained quite a reputation in our home and among our friends. Everyone loves the mix of pasta, creamy sauce and those little crispy bacon bits. After trying it at our last neighborhood cookout, my neighbor begged me for the recipe.
Better The Next Day
I think it might taste even better as leftovers. I take it for lunch and my coworkers always comment on how good it smells. The flavors keep blending overnight and the sauce stays incredibly rich and tasty.
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Why This Dish Stands Out
This meal combines everything I love about comfort food. The way the sauce coats each pasta piece, the crunchy bacon bits scattered throughout, and how it all comes together into something you can't stop eating. It's become one of those meals that just feels like home to us.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What does rinsing pasta do?
- Washing it stops it from cooking further so it stays firm. It also keeps it from sticking together while you’re making the sauce.
- → Why save some bacon fat?
- Using a little bacon grease adds a smoky flavor to the chicken and helps mix the bacon taste throughout the dish.
- → Can I swap the pasta shape?
- Absolutely! Try bow ties, spirals, or rotini for fun alternatives to penne. Any small shape that grabs sauce works.
- → Why chop the chicken into cubes?
- Cutting it small makes it cook faster and ensures every bite gets chicken. It’s just easier to eat too!
- → Can I cook this ahead?
- It’s best served fresh, but leftovers store well in the fridge. Warm it slowly with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.