Crack Chicken Penne Skillet Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory goodness, you’re going to love what I have for you today. This Crack Chicken Penne Skillet Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug, easy to pull together on a weeknight but fancy enough to impress your crew. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your go-to comfort food staple.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Crack Chicken Penne Skillet Recipe is in the balance of simple ingredients that come together into something extraordinary. You’ll love how pantry staples like dried pasta and canned soup blend with fresh chicken and bacon for an easy but indulgent meal.

• Bacon: Provides smoky crunch that adds amazing texture and flavor. Use thick-cut if you want extra bite.
• Boneless skinless chicken breast: Cubed so it cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well.
• Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the richness.
• Cajun seasoning: Just the right amount to spice things up without overwhelming.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground is best for a peppery kick.
• Dry ranch seasoning packet: This is the secret flavor booster that adds tang and depth.
• Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the dish moist and flavorful without making it salty.
• Dried penne pasta: Holds up well in the skillet and soaks up all that delicious sauce.
• Cream cheese: Adds that creamy, dreamy texture everyone loves.
• Condensed cream of chicken soup: Makes the sauce thick and luscious.
• Mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese: The combo of cheeses creates a perfect melty, gooey finish.
• Parsley: Fresh for a pop of color and a bit of brightness at the end.

Variations

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Crack Chicken Penne Skillet Recipe is how easy it is to shake things up to suit your mood or your pantry. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!

• Spicy Twist: I love adding a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños for that extra heat that wakes up the palate.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in some chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to sneak in some greens your family won’t even notice.
• Different Cheese: Swap out the mozzarella for gouda or Monterey Jack for a smoky or buttery flavor.
• Make it Dairy-Free: You can swap cream cheese and cheese for dairy-free alternatives and use a dairy-free soup to keep things creamy.

How to Make Crack Chicken Penne Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Crisp Your Bacon to Perfection

Start by heating a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat and cooking the diced bacon until it’s beautifully crispy. I like to use a slotted spoon to scoop it out onto a paper towel to drain. It’s important to reserve about 1/2 cup of that crispy bacon as a garnish at the end — it’s the little crunchy surprise that really elevates the dish. Don’t toss all the bacon fat; keep about 2 tablespoons in the pan because that flavor is where the magic starts for the chicken and onions.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken and Aromatics

Add the cubed chicken and diced onion to your skillet with the bacon fat, sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and black pepper, and cook for about 4 to 6 minutes until the chicken starts to brown. Don’t worry if it’s not cooked through yet; this step is all about building flavor. Once browned, sprinkle the packet of ranch seasoning over the chicken—it’s a simple trick I discovered that once you try, you won’t want to skip.

Step 3: Simmer the Penne in Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. I always scrape the bottom of the pan here to lift those tasty browned bits—that’s where extra flavor hides. Then stir in the dried penne pasta, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 15 to 18 minutes until the pasta is just al dente, which means it still has a slight bite—you want to avoid mushy pasta at all costs.

Step 4: Add the Creamy Goodness and Cheese

Take off the lid and stir in the cream cheese cubes along with the can of condensed cream of chicken soup. Stir continuously until the sauce is silky smooth and lump-free—this is the part where the dish really becomes comforting. Next, mix in half of the mozzarella, cheddar, and the cooked bacon. Once combined, remove your skillet from the heat.

Step 5: Finish with Melty Cheese and Crispy Bacon

Top the skillet with the remaining cheese and reserved bacon, cover it back up, and let it sit for a few minutes. This “resting” step lets the cheeses melt perfectly without overcooking the pasta or drying out the chicken. Just before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a touch of color and freshness.

How to Serve Crack Chicken Penne Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I finish my Crack Chicken Penne Skillet Recipe off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley—it brightens the dish visually and adds a subtle herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. If you like a bit of extra heat, a few red pepper flakes on top work wonders as well.

Side Dishes

Since this skillet is all about hearty comfort, I like to pair it with something light and fresh on the side. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted asparagus with lemon juice balances things out perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist when guests come over, I’ve served this Crack Chicken Penne Skillet Recipe in individual small skillets or oven-safe dishes right at the table. It makes the meal feel special and cozy — plus, everyone gets their own cheesy, bacon-topped goodness!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they last well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight—but make sure to cover it tightly so the pasta doesn’t dry out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftovers in portion-size containers, and it defrosts nicely. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture of the pasta stays good if you don’t freeze it too long (think under a month for best quality).

Reheating

When reheating, I find warming it gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or milk helps bring back that creamy consistency. Microwaving works too, but stir halfway through to keep it evenly heated and delicious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Crack Chicken Penne Skillet Recipe turns out every single time—creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. When I first made it, I was surprised how simple ingredients created a dish that my family raved about. It’s one of those recipes you can throw together after a busy day and still feel like you nailed dinner. So next time you want comfort food that’s quick, satisfying, and totally delicious, give this recipe a try. I promise, you’ll be hooked just like I am!

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