Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

Introduction

Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish packed with tender chicken, smoky turkey bacon, and a rich ranch-infused sauce. It’s an easy weeknight meal that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly for busy cooks.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 1 pound chicken breast, diced
• 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped green onions, to taste
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until slightly firm to the bite. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of the pasta water.
2. Step 2: In the same pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken in a single layer, browning it without overcrowding the pan. Season lightly with pepper as it cooks.
3. Step 3: Stir in the cooked, crumbled turkey bacon and cook until the bacon pieces become crisp.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to low, then add the softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, and chicken broth. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Add the drained penne pasta back into the pot, gently tossing until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta. Cover the pot and let the cheese melt, then stir once melted to combine everything evenly.
7. Step 7: Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve the dish hot for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute penne with rigatoni or ziti for a similar texture that holds sauce well.
• Use sharp cheddar cheese for a richer, better-melting flavor.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the chicken.
• To make it vegetarian, replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms and use vegetarian bacon alternatives.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?

Yes, regular bacon works well and adds more fat and flavor, but it will change the dietary profile slightly.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for cream cheese?

You can substitute with a dairy-free cream cheese or use coconut cream, but the sauce texture and taste will differ.

Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 77 reviews

• Author: Sarah
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, comforting pasta dish combining tender diced chicken, smoky turkey bacon, and a rich ranch-flavored cream cheese sauce. The penne pasta, with its ridged surfaces, beautifully captures the luscious sauce, making every bite flavorful and satisfying. It’s an easy, one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 ounces penne pasta

Chicken and Bacon

• 1 pound chicken breast, diced
• 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled

Sauce

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Garnish and Seasoning

• Chopped green onions, to taste
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Cooking Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and add the penne pasta. Cook until slightly firm (al dente), then drain and reserve one cup of the pasta water for later use.
2. Cooking Chicken: In the same pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken in a single layer without crowding to allow browning. Season lightly with pepper and cook until the chicken pieces are golden and cooked through.
3. Adding Bacon: Stir in the cooked smoked turkey bacon pieces into the pot with the chicken, allowing them to crisp up further for added texture and smoky flavor.
4. Making the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
5. Combining Ingredients: Return the drained penne pasta to the pot. Gently toss everything together to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy ranch sauce.
6. Finishing Touches: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture in the pot. Cover and allow the cheese to melt fully, stirring once melted. Finally, garnish with chopped green onions and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Notes

• Using penne pasta with ridges helps the sauce cling better to each piece.
• Substitute pasta with rigatoni or ziti if penne is unavailable.
• Smoked turkey bacon adds a smoky flavor while keeping the dish leaner.
• Reserve pasta water when draining to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the salt levels.
• Sharp cheddar cheese melts better and adds a nice tang 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 Pasta, Turkey Bacon, Comfort Food