Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. This comforting meal combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch sauce with perfectly cooked penne pasta.
📋 Ingredients:
🍝 12 oz penne pasta
🍗 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
🧂 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
🧀 8 oz cream cheese, softened
🍚 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
🥛 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
🥛 1 cup milk
🥓 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
🌿 2 cloves garlic, minced
🧂 Salt and pepper, to taste
🌿 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
📝 Directions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the Pasta: 🍝 Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Season the Chicken: 🧂 In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and half of the ranch seasoning mix. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- Cook the Garlic: 🌿 In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Cream Cheese: 🧀 Stir in the softened cream cheese, chicken broth, and milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the Cheese and Seasoning: 🍚 Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and the remaining ranch seasoning mix. Continue cooking until the sauce is thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Everything:
- Add Chicken and Pasta: 🍝 Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and add the cooked penne pasta. Stir to coat the chicken and pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Add Bacon: 🥓 Stir in the crumbled bacon, mixing everything together until well combined.
- Serve:
- Garnish: 🌿 Serve the Crack Chicken Penne hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
🍽 Serve:
Enjoy your rich and creamy Crack Chicken Penne, a delicious dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner!
⏱ Preparation Time: 15 minutes
⏱ Cooking Time: 25 minutes
⏱ Total Time: 40 minutes
🍽 Servings: 4-6 servings
🔥 Calories: 550 kcal per serving
💡 Notes:
- For a spicy kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or on the stove.
Enjoy your indulgent and flavorful Crack Chicken Penne! 🧀✨