One-Pot Crack Chicken Penne Recipe – Ultra Creamy & Irresistible
This One-Pot Crack Chicken Penne is loaded with creamy ranch flavor, melty cheese, tender chicken, and crispy bacon, all ready in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup. A cheesy, cozy dinner the whole family will love!
Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts – cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil – or butter
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 6 slices bacon – cooked and crumbled
- 8 oz cream cheese – softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 oz penne pasta – uncooked
- 3½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup milk – or heavy cream
- Salt – to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Cook until chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, cook bacon until crispy. Crumble and set aside, leaving a bit of the grease in the pot.
- Add uncooked penne and chicken broth. Stir to coat, bring to a light boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the pasta is tender, stir in cream cheese, cheddar, and milk. Mix until creamy and smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the pot. Stir everything together and taste for seasoning.
- Serve hot, garnished with more cheese, parsley, or bacon if desired.
Notes
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smoother sauce.
- Add a splash of milk when reheating leftovers.
- Swap penne for gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.