Crack Chicken Penne: Creamy Pasta Dinner (Print Version)
Creamy Crack Chicken Penne pasta is a comforting and easy dinner. Tender chicken, bacon, ranch, and cheese in a rich sauce with penne noodles.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Foundation
01 -
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 -
6 slices thick-cut bacon
03 -
12 oz penne pasta
→ The Creamy Embrace
04 -
8 oz block cream cheese, softened
05 -
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
06 -
1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
07 -
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
08 -
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
→ Flavor & Freshness Boosters
09 -
1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
10 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
11 -
2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped, for garnish
12 -
Salt to taste
13 -
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Cook 6 slices thick-cut bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon, crumble, and set aside, reserving about 1-2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat. In the same skillet, cook 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts until cooked through. Remove chicken, shred, and set aside.
02 -
While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water, then set aside.
03 -
In the same skillet with the reserved bacon fat, add 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced. Sauté over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add 2 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
04 -
Reduce heat to low. Add 8 oz block cream cheese, softened, and 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth to the skillet. Stir constantly until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Whisk in 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix to build the signature flavor for your Crack Chicken Penne: Creamy & Comforting Pasta.
05 -
Stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season the sauce with salt to taste and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
06 -
Add the cooked penne pasta, shredded chicken, and most of the crumbled bacon (reserving some for garnish) to the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency for the Crack Chicken Penne: Creamy & Comforting Pasta.
07 -
Serve the Crack Chicken Penne: Creamy & Comforting Pasta immediately while hot. Garnish each serving generously with the remaining crumbled bacon and 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped. This dish is perfect for a satisfying and comforting meal.
# Notes:
01 -
For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. You can also substitute Monterey Jack with pepper jack cheese.
02 -
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess.
03 -
This rich pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the flavors, or some crusty garlic bread.
04 -
To save time, cook and shred the chicken, and crisp the bacon a day in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator until ready to use.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Measuring cups
06 -
Measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 969 kcal
Total Fat: 50 g
Total Carbohydrate: 70 g
Protein: 60 g