Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
Introduction
Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, crispy bacon, and cheesy goodness in every bite. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 8 ounce penne pasta
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounce 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 and set aside, reserving the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and season with the ranch seasoning. Brown the chicken on both sides until cooked through.
- Step 3: Stir in the penne pasta and chicken broth, then bring 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 melted and creamy, incorporating it into the sauce.
- Step 5: Fold in the cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until everything is well combined and the cheese is melted.
- Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, sauté some garlic and onions in the bacon fat before adding the chicken.
- Swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella or pepper jack to change the flavor profile.
- Use turkey bacon for a leaner option without sacrificing crunch.
- Add some steamed broccoli or spinach for a nutritious green boost.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop 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 a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to use any short pasta like rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli if penne is not available.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
It can be frozen, but the cream cheese sauce may change texture slightly. To freeze, cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Crack Chicken Penne is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch-infused cream cheese sauce. This recipe combines penne pasta cooked in chicken broth with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley for a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both easy and irresistible.
Ingredients
Pasta & Meat
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the six slices of thick-cut bacon until they are crispy. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pan for added flavor.
- Brown Chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the skillet. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over the chicken. Cook the chicken breasts on both sides until browned and partially cooked through, sealing in the flavors.
- Simmer Pasta: Stir the uncooked penne pasta into the skillet with the chicken. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow the pasta to cook in the broth until al dente, absorbing the savory liquid and flavors.
- Melt Cream Cheese: Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir continuously until it is fully melted, creating a creamy, rich sauce that coats the pasta and chicken perfectly.
- Combine and Serve: Crumble the cooked bacon and fold it into the skillet along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything thoroughly until the cheese has melted and the ingredients are well combined. Garnish the dish with fresh chopped parsley before serving for added freshness and color.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, consider adding a splash of milk or heavy cream when melting the cream cheese.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or to accommodate dietary preferences.
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken breasts during browning, as they will continue to cook with the pasta.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free penne pasta and verify that the ranch seasoning is gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crack Chicken Penne, creamy pasta recipe, chicken penne pasta, bacon pasta recipe, ranch seasoning pasta, easy dinner, comfort food
