Description
Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy and indulgent pasta dish with chicken, bacon, ranch seasoning, and cheese, creating a rich, comforting meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a go-to favorite for families and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or 2–3 tbsp homemade ranch seasoning)
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6–8 slices)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Penne: Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through (6-8 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
- Add Bacon and Seasoning: Stir in crumbled bacon and ranch seasoning mix. Combine for 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
- Create the Sauce: Lower heat to medium-low. Add cream cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
- Mix in Cheese: Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until melted, forming a creamy sauce.
- Combine with Pasta: Stir cooked penne into the sauce, coating it well. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to soak up the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions or parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or tofu and add extra vegetables like spinach or broccoli.
- Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce for heat.
- Low-Carb: Use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a keto-friendly dish.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese, cheese, and heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: pasta
- Method: Skillet, one pot
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: creamy pasta, crack chicken, bacon pasta, ranch chicken, one-pot pasta