Crack Chicken Penne: Creamy, Quick Dinner Recipe (Print Version)
Whip up creamy Crack Chicken Penne in minutes! This easy pasta dish features tender chicken, bacon, ranch, and cheese for a satisfying weeknight meal.
# 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 Hearty Foundation
01 -
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 -
6 slices thick-cut bacon
03 -
1 tbsp olive oil
04 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Creamy Dream Weavers
05 -
8 oz block cream cheese, softened
06 -
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
07 -
1/2 cup whole milk
08 -
2 tbsp dry ranch seasoning mix
09 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Penne & Cheesy Embrace
10 -
12 oz penne pasta
11 -
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
12 -
3 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 6 slices thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy. Remove bacon, drain on paper towels, crumble, and set aside. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet for extra flavor, or discard and use olive oil.
02 -
Pat dry 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil (or reserved bacon fat) in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove, dice, and set aside for your Crack Chicken Penne: A Quick, Creamy Dinner Adventure.
03 -
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 well, reserving 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before discarding the rest.
04 -
In the same skillet (or a clean one), melt 8 oz softened cream cheese over medium heat. Whisk in 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, 1/2 cup whole milk, 2 tbsp dry ranch seasoning mix, and 3 cloves minced garlic. Simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.
05 -
Stir 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the creamy sauce until fully melted and smooth. Add the diced chicken and the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency for this Crack Chicken Penne: A Quick, Creamy Dinner Adventure.
06 -
Stir most of the crumbled bacon into the pasta mixture. Serve your delicious Crack Chicken Penne: A Quick, Creamy Dinner Adventure immediately, garnished with the remaining crumbled bacon and 3 thinly sliced green onions. Enjoy this comforting meal!
# Notes:
01 -
For an even richer sauce, substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for the whole milk.
02 -
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed.
03 -
To save time, use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded, and add it in Step 5 instead of cooking fresh chicken.
04 -
A simple side salad or some crusty garlic bread makes a perfect accompaniment to this hearty dish.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Knife
05 -
Measuring cups
06 -
Measuring spoons
07 -
Whisk
08 -
Tongs
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 949 kcal
Total Fat: 48 g
Total Carbohydrate: 68 g
Protein: 54 g