Crack Chicken Penne: Creamy Pasta with Ranch & Bacon (Print Version)
Creamy Crack Chicken Penne combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and savory ranch seasoning in a rich, comforting pasta dish. Quick and satisfying.
# 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 tbsp olive oil
02 -
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
03 -
6 slices thick-cut bacon
→ Aromatic Embrace & Pasta Perfection
04 -
1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
05 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
10 oz penne pasta
→ Velvety Indulgence
07 -
8 oz cream cheese, softened
08 -
1 cup chicken broth
09 -
1/2 cup whole milk
10 -
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
→ Signature Flavor Boosters
11 -
1 oz packet ranch seasoning mix
12 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
13 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Cook 6 slices thick-cut bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon, reserving 1 tbsp drippings. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, then shred or dice. Set aside.
02 -
While chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 10 oz penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. This reserved water is key for the perfect consistency of your Crack Chicken Penne: A Creamy and Comforting Pasta Dish.
03 -
In the same skillet with reserved drippings, add 1/2 medium 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. Stir in 8 oz cream cheese, softened, 1 cup chicken broth, and 1/2 cup whole milk until smooth and well combined. Whisk in 1 oz packet ranch seasoning mix. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, building the signature flavor of this Crack Chicken Penne: A Creamy and Comforting Pasta Dish.
05 -
Add the cooked and shredded chicken, drained penne pasta, and 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the skillet with the sauce. Stir well until the cheese is melted and all ingredients are evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
06 -
Crumble the cooked bacon and stir most of it into the pasta mixture. Garnish your Crack Chicken Penne: A Creamy and Comforting Pasta Dish with the remaining crumbled bacon and 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped. Serve immediately and savor this comforting meal.
# Notes:
01 -
For an even richer flavor, consider using a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
02 -
Leftovers can be stored 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 milk or chicken broth to restore creaminess.
03 -
If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be used instead of cooking chicken breasts from scratch. Just shred and add it in Step 5.
04 -
This dish is fantastic on its own, but a simple green salad or some crusty garlic bread makes for a complete and satisfying meal.
# 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: 904 kcal
Total Fat: 49 g
Total Carbohydrate: 62 g
Protein: 54 g