Crac Chicken Penne: Quick & Creamy American Pasta (Print Version)
Crac Chicken Penne delivers a quick, creamy American pasta experience. Tender chicken and penne in a rich sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ The Penne & Poultry Powerhouse
01 -
12 oz penne pasta
02 -
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
03 -
1 tbsp olive oil
→ Creamy 'Crac' Sauce Core
04 -
4 oz cream cheese, softened
05 -
1/2 cup heavy cream
06 -
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
07 -
2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
→ Savory 'Crac' Flavor Boosters
08 -
6 slices bacon
09 -
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
10 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
11 -
1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
→ Finishing Touches & Seasoning
12 -
2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped, for garnish
13 -
Kosher salt to taste
14 -
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Meanwhile, cook 6 slices bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Remove bacon, reserving 1 tbsp of the rendered fat.
02 -
Dice 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Add chicken to the skillet with reserved bacon fat (or 1 tbsp olive oil) and cook until browned and cooked through. Stir in 1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced, and 2 cloves garlic, minced; cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
03 -
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add 4 oz cream cheese, softened, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, and 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix to the skillet. Whisk until smooth and creamy, letting it gently simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly for your Crac Chicken Penne.
04 -
Drain the cooked penne pasta and add it to the creamy sauce with the cooked chicken. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Gradually add 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and incorporated into the Crac Chicken Penne: Quick & Creamy American Pasta.
05 -
Crumble the cooked 6 slices bacon and stir most of it into the pasta. Season the Crac Chicken Penne: Quick & Creamy American Pasta generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Ensure all flavors are balanced and delicious.
06 -
Transfer the Crac Chicken Penne: Quick & Creamy American Pasta to serving bowls. Garnish each serving with the remaining crumbled bacon and 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped. Serve immediately and enjoy this quick and creamy American pasta dish!
# Notes:
01 -
For an extra layer of flavor, try using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts; they tend to stay juicier.
02 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth.
03 -
Serve this rich and creamy pasta with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette or some warm garlic bread to complete the meal.
04 -
Ensure your cream cheese is truly softened before adding it to the sauce to prevent lumps and achieve the smoothest, creamiest texture.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Measuring cups
06 -
Measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 854 kcal
Total Fat: 41 g
Total Carbohydrate: 68 g
Protein: 48 g