Go Back
A delicious bowl of creamy Crack Chicken Penne is showcased as the featured image.

Easy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

This Crack Chicken Penne recipe transforms the classic crack chicken dip into a comforting and satisfying meal. Creamy, cheesy, and bacon-y, this dish combines shredded chicken, penne pasta, and a flavorful 'crack' sauce for an addictive flavor explosion that the whole family will love.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions optional
  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • Wate r
  • Salt for pasta water

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Large oven-safe skillet or baking dish
  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large bowl
  • Mixing Spoon
  • Two forks

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, drizzle the olive oil. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet.
  3. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool slightly. Then, shred the chicken with two forks.
  6. While the chicken is baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  7. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions, until al dente.
  8. Drain the pasta well. Don't rinse it.
  9. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Ranch dressing seasoning mix. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  10. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, and chopped green onions (if using).
  11. Add the shredded chicken and drained pasta to the bowl with the 'crack' sauce.
  12. Mix well until everything is evenly coated in the sauce.
  13. Serve immediately.
  14. Garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions, if desired.

Notes

If chicken seems dry after baking, try poaching it in chicken broth. Ensure cream cheese is softened before mixing. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth. The dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time when reheating. Spice it up with red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños. Don't skimp on the bacon! For variations, try Buffalo Crack Chicken Penne (add 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce), Spinach Artichoke Crack Chicken Penne (stir in 1 cup spinach and 1/2 cup artichoke hearts), Crack Chicken Pizza Pasta (add 1/2 cup pizza sauce and 1/4 cup pepperoni, top with mozzarella and bake), or Crack Chicken and Broccoli Penne (steam and mix in broccoli florets). Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the microwave or oven.