1-First Step: Prep and Mise en Place* Gather ingredients and measure everything. Cut the chicken into small bite-size pieces and shred the cheddar if not pre-shredded.* Chop the bacon into pieces after it cools, or leave whole while cooking and chop later for crisper bits.* Have a large Dutch oven or heavy pot ready; this dish cooks in one pot to save time and dishes.

2-Second Step: Cook the Bacon* Place the Dutch oven over medium heat and add the 4 slices of thick-cut bacon. Cook them until crispy, about 6 to 8 minutes depending on thickness.* Remove the bacon and drain some fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot for flavor.* Chop the cooled bacon into bits and set aside for returning to the dish later.

3-Third Step: Brown the ChickenWith the pot still over medium-high heat, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Brown them for roughly 3 minutes. The chicken should just start to brown but remain slightly pink inside; it will finish cooking with the pasta in the next steps.

4-Fourth Step: Season and Add Pasta* Sprinkle 1 ounce ranch seasoning mix (1 packet or 2 tablespoons) over the chicken and stir to coat. The ranch seasoning gives the dish its signature crack chicken flavor.* Add 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta to the pot and pour in 3 1/2 cups chicken broth (low sodium or no salt added). Stir to combine and bring to a boil.

5-Fifth Step: Simmer the Pasta and ChickenOnce boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You want the penne to be al dente. There should still be a bit of liquid in the pot since the cream cheese will create a creamy sauce.If the pasta looks dry before it is done, add another 1/4 to 1/2 cup chicken broth as needed. Set a timer and check the pasta 1 to 2 minutes before the package time to avoid overcooking.

6-Sixth Step: Make It Creamy* Once the pasta is al dente and there is some liquid remaining, stir in 4 ounces cream cheese. Break it into pieces so it melts quickly into the hot pasta and broth.* Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce looks smooth and creamy.

7-Seventh Step: Finish With Cheese and Bacon* Return the chopped bacon bits to the pot.* Add 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and combined.* Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top, cover the pot and cook 30 seconds more, then remove from heat so the top cheese melts. Alternatively, transfer the pot to the oven and broil 5 minutes until the cheese bubbles and browns for a golden top.

8-Final Step: Garnish and ServeGarnish with 1 tablespoon chopped parsley and serve hot. Portion the Crack Chicken Penne Recipe into bowls and watch it disappear.