Name: Baked Crack Chicken Penne – Easy Recipes for Dinner with Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 1 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

I don’t say this lightly, but this baked crack chicken penne might just be the weeknight dinner I’d happily eat on repeat. It’s got everything you want after a long day—tender shredded chicken, a creamy, cheesy sauce that hugs every noodle, and just enough crisp on top to make you feel like you cooked something impressive (even if you made it in pajamas). I actually stumbled into this recipe one evening with a leftover rotisserie chicken and not a clue what to make. Before I knew it, I was licking the spoon, and my family was asking if there was more. So now, it’s on a semi-permanent rotation. It checks all the boxes: comfort food, easy cleanup, and enough flavor to keep everyone coming back for seconds. This dish combines all the best things about easy recipes with rotisserie chicken and adds the creamy punch of pasta easy recipes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s one of those quick and easy recipes with rotisserie chicken that’ll save your dinner routine. Need a hug in food form? This is it.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Baked Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
3) Ingredients for Baked Crack Chicken Penne
4) How to Make Baked Crack Chicken Penne
5) Tips for Making Baked Crack Chicken Penne
6) Making Baked Crack Chicken Penne Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Baked Crack Chicken Penne
8) Try these dinners next!
9) Baked Crack Chicken Penne
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This dish is packed with creamy cheese, bacon, and shredded chicken
It’s fast to prep and makes the perfect comfort food
Ideal for busy weeknights and picky eaters
Made with simple ingredients like rotisserie chicken and penne pasta

2) Easy Baked Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you have nights where you just want to toss ingredients together and call it a win. That’s where this easy baked crack chicken penne recipe saves the day. With minimal prep and zero stress, it delivers exactly what it promises: comfort, flavor, and an empty plate at the end of dinner.

It’s a creamy, cheesy casserole with crispy bacon, tender penne, and juicy rotisserie chicken. It all bakes together into the kind of meal that makes you wonder why you ever bothered with takeout. Plus, it’s one of those easy recipes for dinner with chicken that tastes like you fussed, even if you didn’t.

I whipped this up one weeknight with leftovers and the response was immediate. The family loved it. The fridge got cleaned out. And I had a new go-to for those busy nights. It’s honestly one of my favorite easy recipes with rotisserie chicken.

3) Ingredients for Baked Crack Chicken Penne

12 oz penne pasta – Penne holds the sauce perfectly and keeps things simple.

2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken – Already cooked and seasoned, this cuts dinner time in half. Perfect for quick and easy recipes with rotisserie chicken.

1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened – Brings all the creamy goodness to the party.

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully and adds that sharp cheddar tang.

1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon – Adds crunch, flavor, and a little “wow.”

1/4 cup chopped green onions – Brightens the dish and adds a little bite.

1 tsp garlic powder – Because garlic makes everything better.

Salt and pepper to taste – Let your taste buds be the judge here.

4) How to Make Baked Crack Chicken Penne

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 dish like it’s your job.

Step 2. Cook the penne according to package directions, drain it, then set it aside.

Step 3. In a large bowl, stir together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until mostly smooth.

Step 4. Fold in the shredded chicken, bacon, and green onions. Mix until the ingredients are happily married.

Step 5. Toss in the pasta and stir gently to combine. Make sure everything’s coated well.

Step 6. Spread the mixture evenly in your baking dish. Top with a little extra cheddar if you like.

Step 7. Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes until the edges bubble and the top turns golden. That smell? It’s your kitchen saying, “You nailed it.”

5) Tips for Making Baked Crack Chicken Penne

Use penne or another sturdy pasta shape. Avoid anything too delicate—it won’t hold up to the creamy sauce.

Don’t skip the bacon unless you absolutely have to. The crunch adds texture that really takes this dish over the top.

Shred your own cheese if you can. Pre-shredded works, but freshly grated cheese melts smoother and tastes richer.

This recipe is one of those pasta easy recipes that leaves room for creativity. Feel free to toss in chopped veggies or spicy jalapeños for a kick.

6) Making Baked Crack Chicken Penne Ahead of Time

You can prep everything a day ahead and store it unbaked in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just bake it as usual and dinner’s ready in minutes.

Want to freeze it? Assemble the dish, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to two months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake.

This is one of those easy recipes for dinner pasta that keeps giving. You can make it during Sunday meal prep and thank yourself all week.

7) Storing Leftover Baked Crack Chicken Penne

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors just get better, like good stories or comfortable jeans.

To reheat, pop a portion in the microwave or warm the whole thing in the oven at 350°F until hot. Add a splash of milk if the sauce thickens up too much.

It’s a dream for next-day lunch. Honestly, I sometimes like it better the next day, which is rare for casseroles.

8) Try these dinners next!

9) Baked Crack Chicken Penne