Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bacon, this Crockpot Crack Chicken Penne Pasta is the kind of dinner everyone gets excited about. The chicken turns super tender in the slow cooker, and the creamy ranch sauce wraps around every bite of pasta. It’s rich, cozy, and perfect for busy days when you want something easy but still homemade.
This recipe makes the house smell amazing while it cooks, and the leftovers are just as good the next day.
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–6 hours low or 3–4 hours high
- Total Time: About 6 hours
Why I Love This Recipe
The first time I made this recipe was on a cold rainy day when I wanted something warm and filling without standing over the stove all evening. I tossed everything into the crockpot, walked away, and came back to the creamiest chicken ever. Once I stirred in the pasta and bacon, it became one of those dinners that everybody keeps going back for.
What I love most is how simple it is. The slow cooker does almost all the work, but the flavor tastes like you spent hours cooking.
- The chicken comes out juicy and easy to shred
- The ranch seasoning adds tons of flavor fast
- Cream cheese makes the sauce rich and smooth
- Bacon adds the perfect salty crunch
- Penne pasta holds onto all the creamy sauce
- Leftovers reheat really well
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 packets ranch seasoning mix (1 ounce each)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
- 1 cup milk
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Tools You’ll Need
- Black oval crockpot
- Large pot
- Colander
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Forks for shredding chicken
- Large mixing spoon
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The slow cooker gently cooks the chicken over several hours, which helps break down the proteins slowly so the meat stays juicy and tender. Cream cheese melts into the warm broth and ranch seasoning, creating a smooth sauce that coats the pasta. The starch from the penne also helps thicken the sauce and hold everything together.
Pro Tips
- Cook the bacon until extra crispy so it stays crunchy in the creamy sauce
- Cut the cream cheese into cubes so it melts faster and smoother
- Don’t overcook the pasta or it can get too soft after mixing into the crockpot
- Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot to keep all the flavor in the sauce
- Save a little pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later
Substitutions and Variations
- Use rotini or rigatoni instead of penne
- Swap cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack
- Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon
- Add spinach at the end for extra greens
- Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts
- Add diced jalapeños for heat
Make Ahead Tips
- Cook and chop the bacon one day ahead
- Shred the cheese early and keep refrigerated
- The chicken mixture can stay warm in the crockpot for up to 1 hour before adding pasta
- You can fully make the recipe ahead and reheat gently with extra milk
Instructions
Step 1: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Place 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts into the black oval crockpot. Sprinkle in 2 packets ranch seasoning mix, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add 8 ounces cubed cream cheese and pour in 1 cup chicken broth.
Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until the chicken is very tender.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Cook 8 slices bacon until crispy. Chop into small pieces and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Penne Pasta
About 20 minutes before the chicken is done, bring water to a boil in a large pot. Cook 12 ounces penne pasta until just al dente. Drain the pasta.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Open the crockpot and shred the fully cooked chicken directly in the creamy ranch sauce using two forks. Stir until the cream cheese melts completely into the sauce.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Milk
Pour 1 cup milk into the crockpot and stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 6: Mix in Pasta and Bacon
Add the drained penne pasta and most of the chopped bacon into the crockpot. Stir everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Top the pasta with the remaining chopped bacon and 2 sliced green onions. Serve hot.
Common Mistakes
- Overcooking the pasta can make it mushy
- Using cold cream cheese can leave lumps in the sauce
- Adding all the bacon too early can make it lose crunch
- Cooking the chicken too long on HIGH can dry it out
- Forgetting to stir well after adding cheese can leave uneven sauce
What to Serve With
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Steamed green beans
- Simple cucumber salad
- Buttered dinner rolls
Macros Information
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 720
- Protein: 44g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheat with a splash of milk to make the sauce creamy again
- Freeze for up to 2 months
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating
FAQ
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes. Skip the slow cooking step and mix shredded rotisserie chicken into the sauce for a faster version.
Q: Can I make this without bacon?
A: Yes. The recipe will still be creamy and flavorful without it.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: It’s safer to thaw chicken first before adding it to the crockpot for even cooking.
Q: Why is my sauce too thick?
A: Add a little extra milk or some reserved pasta water and stir well.
Q: Can I cook the pasta in the crockpot?
A: It’s better to cook it separately so it keeps the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Crack Chicken Penne Pasta is the kind of comfort food that makes dinner feel easy and cozy at the same time. The creamy ranch sauce, tender chicken, crispy bacon, and cheesy pasta all come together in one big comforting bowl.
Once you try it, it’ll probably become one of those recipes you keep coming back to. If you make it, leave a comment and share how it turned out or any fun twists you added to make it your own.