Crack Chicken Penne Skillet Recipe

If you love cozy, cheesy one-pan dinners that come together quickly, then you are going to adore this Crack Chicken Penne Skillet Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish combines smoky bacon, tender chicken, and creamy cheese sauce all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s comfort food at its best, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish is all about using simple but flavorful ingredients that come together for a creamy, comforting meal. Each one plays a role—from the smoky bacon to the tangy ranch seasoning making this Crack Chicken Penne Skillet Recipe such a crowd-pleaser.

• Bacon: Cook it until crispy to add that wonderful smoky crunch throughout the dish.
• Chicken Breast: Cubed for quick cooking and to soak up all those delicious flavors.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; diced small so it softens right into the sauce.
• Cajun Seasoning: Gives a subtle spicy kick that wakes up the whole skillet.
• Black Pepper: Fresh cracked or ground, just enough for balance.
• Dry Ranch Seasoning Packet: This is the secret sauce ingredient that gives that “crack chicken” flavor everyone adores.
• Chicken Broth: Low sodium works best to control saltiness and helps cook the pasta.
• Penne Pasta: I choose penne because its tubes hold the sauce beautifully.
• Cream Cheese: Cubed and at room temp so it melts smoothly into the sauce.
• Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds richness and creaminess without extra fuss.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded for meltiness and stretch.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a nice bite and sharpness to contrast the creamy parts.
• Parsley: Fresh and chopped, it brightens the dish when sprinkled on top before serving.

Variations

I love how flexible this Crack Chicken Penne Skillet Recipe is. Since everyone’s tastes and dietary needs vary, I encourage you to play around with a few tweaks to make it truly yours. These variations have worked well for me over time.

• Add Veggies: I sometimes toss in fresh spinach or diced bell peppers to sneak in extra nutrients without losing the creamy texture.
• Make It Spicy: If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce right when you add the Cajun seasoning; my husband loves this twist!
• Use Different Pasta: Penne is great, but elbow macaroni or rigatoni works equally well if that’s what you have on hand.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and cheese with nutritional yeast; it changes the flavor but keeps it creamy.

How to Make Crack Chicken Penne Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Crisp That Bacon and Get the Base Ready

Start by cooking diced bacon in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat until it’s delightfully crispy. I like to use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set about half a cup aside for garnish later. Don’t toss out all that bacon fat! Keep about 2 tablespoons in the pan – this is flavor gold for browning the chicken. This step lays a perfectly savory foundation that you’ll notice in every bite.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken and Onions

Next, add the chicken cubes, diced onions, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper to the bacon fat. Cook for about 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside (it doesn’t have to be fully cooked yet). You’ll find that browning adds incredible depth to the final dish.

Step 3: Bring It All Together With Broth and Pasta

Sprinkle the ranch seasoning packet over the chicken, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a boil while scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen all those browned bits — that’s where a lot of flavor hides. Now add your penne pasta, lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes until the pasta is just al dente. Keep an eye on it — you want pasta with the slightest bite, so it doesn’t get mushy later.

Step 4: Stir In the Creamy Goodness and Cheese

Once the pasta’s ready, remove the lid and stir in the cubed cream cheese and condensed cream of chicken soup. Mix it well until the sauce is smooth and silky with no lumps in sight. Fold in half of the mozzarella, cheddar, and the cooked bacon (except the reserved amount). This is the part where the skillet transforms into pure comfort food heaven.

Step 5: Melt and Serve

Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheeses plus the reserved crispy bacon over the top. Cover the skillet with the lid and let it sit for a few minutes so those cheeses melt perfectly. Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley on top — it adds a bright pop of color and freshness that balances out all the creamy richness.

How to Serve Crack Chicken Penne Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with freshly chopped parsley because it adds a fresh, vibrant touch both visually and flavor-wise. Sometimes I even add a little extra crispy bacon on top for a crunch surprise — my kids go nuts for that. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can amp up the heat if you’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

This skillet is pretty filling, but I love pairing it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli for some balance. Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls also make delicious accompaniments.

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinners or casual gatherings, I sometimes serve this right in the skillet, scooping generous portions onto plates, which feels warm and inviting. For a fancier touch, try layering it in a baking dish, topping with extra cheese, and broiling just a bit to get a bubbly golden crust — it’s such a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Pro tip: Stir the pasta well before reheating because some sauce tends to settle at the bottom. This recipe holds up beautifully without losing that creamy texture.

Freezing

While I don’t typically freeze this dish because of the cream cheese and soup, it can be done if you freeze it before adding the fresh cheeses and bacon garnish. Then thaw overnight and add the cheese and bacon fresh after reheating.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat Crack Chicken Penne Skillet Recipe is gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, so you don’t break the pasta or scorch the sauce. A splash of chicken broth or milk can help loosen it up if it’s thickened too much in the fridge.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crack Chicken Penne Skillet Recipe has become one of my go-to meals when I crave something easy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying. I’ve made it countless times, and it never fails to impress friends and family alike. If you want a recipe that’s hearty, has big flavor, and requires just one pot, then give this a try — I’m confident you’ll love it as much as I do!

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