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

Scale

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