Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
Introduction
Crack Chicken Penne is a rich and creamy pasta dish that’s packed with flavor from crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a cheesy ranch-infused sauce. It’s an easy weeknight meal that comes together quickly and satisfies any comfort food craving.
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, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and season them with ranch seasoning. Cook until browned on both sides.
- Step 3: Stir in the penne pasta and chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the pasta is al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
- Step 4: Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Step 5: Chop the cooked bacon and fold it into the skillet along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and everything is well combined.
- Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add minced garlic or a pinch of smoked paprika when cooking the chicken.
- Swap penne pasta for rotini or fusilli to hold the sauce differently.
- Use a low-fat cream cheese or substitute half with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Mix in steamed broccoli or spinach for added veggies and color.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh chicken breasts, but if using frozen, thaw completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and seasoning.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream cheese?
You can substitute dairy-free cream cheese or use coconut cream, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Print
Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy a rich and creamy Crack Chicken Penne, where tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese come together in a flavorful ranch sauce served over perfectly cooked penne pasta. This hearty one-pan meal is quick to prepare and perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Protein & Meat
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Pasta & Grains
- 8 ounce penne pasta
Dairy
- 8 ounce cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Liquids & Oils
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Seasonings & Herbs
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the thick-cut bacon slices until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside on paper towels to drain. Leave the bacon fat in the skillet for added flavor in the next steps.
- Brown the chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with the ranch seasoning on all sides. Add the chicken to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat and cook over medium heat, browning each side until golden and partially cooked through.
- Simmer pasta and chicken: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta and pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook until the pasta is al dente and the chicken is fully cooked through, approximately 10-12 minutes.
- Add cream cheese: Cut the cream cheese into smaller pieces and add it to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted, creating a rich, creamy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken.
- Combine bacon and cheddar: Crumble the cooked bacon and fold it into the skillet along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the ingredients are well combined, resulting in a luscious, cheesy dish.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the fresh parsley over the top for a bright, fresh contrast. Serve the crack chicken penne hot for a comforting meal that everyone will love.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness.
- The recipe works well with other short pasta shapes like rotini or rigatoni.
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes when browning the chicken.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
- To make it gluten free, substitute the penne pasta with gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: crack chicken, penne pasta, creamy chicken pasta, bacon pasta, ranch chicken recipe, easy dinner, comfort food
