Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
Introduction
Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch flavor. It’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that comes together quickly and satisfies the whole family.
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. Cook the chicken, browning on both sides until cooked through.
- Step 3: Stir the penne pasta and chicken broth into the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook until the pasta is al dente and most of the broth is absorbed.
- Step 4: Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir continuously until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Step 5: Chop the cooked bacon and fold it into the skillet along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the mixture is well combined.
- Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a fresh, bright touch to the creamy dish.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding sautéed garlic or onion when cooking the chicken.
- Swap penne pasta for rigatoni or fusilli for a different texture.
- Use smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne for a mild smoky or spicy kick.
- To lighten the dish, substitute half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking to ensure even cooking and proper texture.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream cheese and cheddar?
You can substitute with dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives, though the flavor and creaminess may vary slightly.
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Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the creamy, flavorful delight of Crack Chicken Penne—a comforting one-pan pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with ranch, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese, all enveloped in a luscious cream cheese sauce and garnished with fresh parsley. Perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner!
Ingredients
Protein and Dairy
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounce cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Pasta and Seasoning
- 8 ounce penne pasta
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add the bacon slices and cook them until they are crispy. Once done, remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet for added flavor.
- Brown the chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the skillet with the bacon fat. Sprinkle the packet of ranch seasoning evenly over the chicken. Cook the chicken, flipping as needed, until browned on both sides and partially cooked through.
- Simmer with pasta: Stir the uncooked penne pasta into the skillet, then pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the broth has been absorbed, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Create the creamy sauce: Add the cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted completely and formed a smooth, creamy sauce coating the pasta and chicken.
- Finish and garnish: Crumble the cooked bacon and add it to the skillet along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and everything is well combined. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top as a bright garnish before serving.
Notes
- For extra spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when browning the chicken.
- If you prefer, substitute penne pasta with rotini or cavatappi.
- To reduce fat, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheddar cheese.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated, though fresh parsley garnish is best added just before serving.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through thoroughly by checking it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crack Chicken Penne, creamy chicken pasta, ranch chicken pasta, bacon pasta recipe, quick dinner, one pan pasta
