Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

Introduction

Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, comforting pasta dish that’s packed with flavorful ingredients like crispy bacon, tender chicken, and melty cheeses. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it comes together quickly and satisfies every craving for rich, cheesy goodness.

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

1. 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.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sprinkle with ranch seasoning. Brown the chicken on both sides until cooked through.
3. Step 3: Stir in the penne pasta and chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Step 4: Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until it melts into a creamy sauce.
5. Step 5: Chop the cooked bacon and fold it into the skillet along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is well combined and the cheese is melted.
6. Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked paprika or garlic powder with the ranch seasoning for an extra flavor boost.
• Substitute penne with rotini or rigatoni for a different pasta shape that holds sauce well.
• For a lighter version, swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt added at the end off heat.
• Add a handful of spinach or peas during the simmer step for added greens.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness. Just adjust cooking time until the chicken is fully cooked.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

While you can freeze the cooked dish, the texture of the pasta may change slightly. It’s best to freeze before adding the cheese, then add cheese fresh when reheating.

Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 68 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Enjoy a rich and creamy Crack Chicken Penne recipe that’s perfect for a comforting dinner. This dish combines tender chicken breasts seasoned with ranch, crispy bacon, and creamy cheeses with perfectly cooked penne pasta, all simmered together in a flavorful chicken broth until luscious and velvety.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta & Protein

• 8 ounce penne pasta
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon

Seasoning & Sauces

• 1 packet ranch seasoning
• 3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 8 ounce cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, fry the bacon slices until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon and set aside on a paper towel to drain, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet for extra flavor.
2. Brown the chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the skillet with bacon fat. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over the chicken. Cook the chicken breasts until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side, ensuring they develop a nice golden crust.
3. Simmer pasta and broth: Add the penne pasta to the skillet along with the low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until the pasta is al dente, approximately 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to let the pasta absorb the broth’s flavor.
4. Add cream cheese: Lower the heat and add the cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely, creating a rich and creamy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken beautifully.
5. Combine cheese and bacon: Crumble or chop the cooked bacon and fold it into the skillet along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is evenly combined, producing a cheesy, savory finish.
6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately for a delicious, creamy dinner.

Notes

• For extra flavor, cook the chicken breasts to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• You can substitute penne pasta with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini if desired.
• Use full-fat cream cheese for best creaminess, but reduced-fat works if preferred.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
• To make it spicier, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when browning the chicken.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: crack chicken, penne pasta, creamy chicken pasta, bacon pasta recipe, ranch seasoning chicken, one skillet dinner