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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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