Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Pasta Dish (Print Version)

Enjoy creamy Crack Chicken Penne, a comforting pasta dish packed with chicken, bacon, and ranch flavor. Quick and easy 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 Comforting Core

01 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 12 oz penne pasta
03 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
04 - 1 1/2 cups chicken broth

→ Signature "Crack" Flavor Boosters

05 - 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
06 - 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
07 - 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

→ Aromatic Foundation

08 - 1 tbsp olive oil
09 - 1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
10 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Fresh Finish & Seasoning

11 - 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Instructions:

01 - Cook 6 slices bacon until crisp; crumble and set aside. Cook 12 oz penne pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water. This ensures your pasta is ready to absorb the creamy sauce for your Crack Chicken Penne: A Creamy and Comforting Pasta Dish.
02 - Cut 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add 1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced, and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add 2 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for another minute until fragrant. Do not brown the garlic.
04 - Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in 1 1/2 cups chicken broth and 8 oz cream cheese, softened, until smooth. Whisk in 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix. This forms the signature creamy base for your Crack Chicken Penne: A Creamy and Comforting Pasta Dish.
05 - Add the cooked chicken and drained penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency for this Crack Chicken Penne: A Creamy and Comforting Pasta Dish.
06 - Stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish generously with 1/4 cup chopped green onions and the crumbled bacon. Serve your Crack Chicken Penne: A Creamy and Comforting Pasta Dish immediately.

# Notes:

01 - For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
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 to restore creaminess.
03 - Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before adding to the skillet to prevent lumps in the sauce.
04 - This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for dipping.

# 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: 995 kcal
Total Fat: 46 g
Total Carbohydrate: 71 g
Protein: 65 g

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