Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
Creamy Crack Chicken Penne is a rich and comforting pasta dish featuring tender shredded chicken, creamy ranch-infused sauce, bacon bits, and sharp cheddar cheese, all tossed with al dente penne pasta. This skillet meal is perfect for a family dinner packed with flavor and ease.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb penne pasta
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant.
- Create Creamy Base: Reduce heat to low and add softened cream cheese along with ranch seasoning mix to the skillet. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add Liquids: Gradually pour in chicken broth and heavy cream while stirring to combine all ingredients into a rich, smooth sauce.
- Combine Protein and Cheese: Stir in shredded cooked chicken, half of the cooked bacon, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the mixture is evenly blended.
- Mix with Pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy chicken sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining bacon and freshly chopped parsley on top before serving. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken leftover from a roast or rotisserie for convenience.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste preference.
- Bacon can be substituted with turkey bacon for a lighter version.
- For a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly.
- This dish reheats well; store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days.
Keywords: Creamy Chicken Pasta, Crack Chicken, Ranch Chicken, Penne Pasta Recipe, One Pan Dinner, Cheesy Pasta, Comfort Food
Find it online: https://cheframi.com/creamy-crack-chicken-penne-recipe/
