Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
Introduction
Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, comforting pasta dish packed with flavorful chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese. It’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, reserving the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and season evenly with the ranch seasoning. Brown the chicken on both sides until cooked through.
- Step 3: Stir in the penne pasta and chicken broth, then bring to a simmer. Cook until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has reduced.
- Step 4: Add the cream cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until it melts into a creamy sauce.
- Step 5: Fold in the cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing well to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder when seasoning the chicken.
- Swap penne for rotini or rigatoni if you prefer different pasta shapes that hold the sauce well.
- Use smoked paprika in the bacon fat to add a subtle smoky depth to the dish.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for cream cheese and reduce the cheddar cheese slightly.
- Include some steamed broccoli or spinach to add a touch of green and extra nutrients.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely before cooking to avoid uneven texture.
Is there a substitute for ranch seasoning?
If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can use a mix of dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley for a similar flavor profile.
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Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Savor a rich and comforting meal with this Creamy Crack Chicken Penne. Tender chicken breasts seasoned with ranch, crispy bacon, and creamy cheeses come together in a flavorful sauce that perfectly coats al dente penne pasta. This skillet dish is quick to prepare and makes a delicious weeknight dinner that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
Seasoning and Liquids
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Cheeses and Garnish
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the bacon slices. Cook until crispy, then remove them and set aside on paper towels to drain excess fat, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet for extra flavor.
- Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken. Cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and nearly cooked through.
- Simmer with Pasta and Broth: Stir penne pasta into the skillet followed by the low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed the flavors of the broth, ensuring the chicken finishes cooking through.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Cut cream cheese into chunks and add to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely, creating a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken.
- Finish and Garnish: Crumble the cooked bacon and add it back into the skillet along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and everything is well combined. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top to add a pop of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, use smoked bacon.
- You can substitute penne with any other pasta shape you prefer such as rigatoni or rotini.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or milk to reach desired consistency.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of broth or milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Creamy Crack Chicken Penne, chicken pasta recipe, ranch chicken pasta, creamy chicken penne, one-pan pasta dinner
