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Indulgent Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 61 reviews
  • Author: Ella
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Salt

Description

Indulgent Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish featuring tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and a flavorful ranch-infused sauce. This recipe combines penne pasta with a rich blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon for a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces Penne Pasta (can substitute with gluten-free pasta)

Chicken & Meat

  • 2 cups Cooked Chicken (shredded) (rotisserie chicken works well)
  • 6 slices Cooked Bacon (crumbled) (turkey bacon for lighter option)

Cheese & Dairy

  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese (consider lower-fat version)
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (can substitute with Monterey Jack)

Seasoning & Liquids

  • 1 packet Ranch Seasoning Mix (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth (low-sodium options recommended)

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons Chopped Green Onions

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, and chicken broth. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the mixture is smooth and heated through.
  3. Add Chicken and Bacon: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and crumbled cooked bacon into the skillet. Mix well and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. Cook for about 2 minutes while stirring gently to heat the pasta through.
  5. Melt Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts completely.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish the dish with chopped green onions, and serve the dish hot for a creamy, savory meal experience.

Notes

  • You can substitute the penne with gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
  • For a lighter option, use turkey bacon and lower-fat cream cheese.
  • Adjust the amount of ranch seasoning to taste depending on your preference for flavor intensity.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to restore creaminess.
  • To enhance flavor, consider adding garlic powder or smoked paprika to the sauce.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: crack chicken, penne pasta, creamy chicken pasta, ranch chicken, bacon pasta, cheesy pasta dish

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Find it online: https://delishwithella.com/indulgent-crack-chicken-penne-recipe/