Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
Introduction
Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, savory dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and cheesy goodness in every bite. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare and sure to become a family favorite.
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 sprinkle the ranch seasoning over them. Brown the chicken on both sides until cooked through.
- Step 3: Stir the penne pasta and chicken broth into the skillet, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until it melts completely, creating a creamy sauce.
- Step 5: Fold in the cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until everything is well combined and the cheese has melted.
- Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when browning the chicken.
- Swap out cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a different cheesy twist.
- To make it lighter, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese or substitute half-and-half for some of the broth.
- Gluten-free pasta works well if you need a gluten-free option.
Storage
Store any leftover Crack Chicken Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add a bit more richness. Just adjust the cooking time until the thighs are fully cooked.
Is ranch seasoning necessary?
Ranch seasoning adds a distinctive flavor to the dish, but you can substitute with your favorite seasoning mix or use garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs for a homemade version.
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Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy a rich and creamy Crack Chicken Penne that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and cheddar cheese in a velvety ranch-flavored sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. This skillet dish is simple to prepare and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein and Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 8 ounce cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Pasta and Liquids
- 8 ounce penne pasta
- 3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are crispy. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan for added flavor.
- Brown the chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over the chicken. Cook the chicken on both sides until browned and cooked through.
- Simmer pasta: Stir in the penne pasta and pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the pasta is al dente, soaking up the flavorful broth.
- Create the creamy sauce: Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir continuously until it melts completely, forming a creamy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken.
- Combine the final ingredients: Crumble the cooked bacon and fold it into the skillet along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well until the cheese melts and the mixture is thoroughly combined.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top as a bright, fresh garnish. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add garlic or onion powder when browning the chicken.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Low-sodium chicken broth helps control the saltiness but adjust to taste.
- Leftover Crack Chicken Penne can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crack Chicken Penne, creamy chicken pasta, bacon pasta recipe, ranch chicken, quick dinner recipe
