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
Scale
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
