Description
Crack Chicken Penne combines tender chicken, smoky bacon, and creamy ranch-flavored sauce with penne pasta in a one-pot wonder. Quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this rich and satisfying dish will become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Dice chicken, season with salt and pepper, mince garlic, and chop bacon.
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon, leaving 1 tbsp of grease in the pan.
- Cook Chicken: Add olive oil if needed, and cook chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside with the bacon.
- Sauté Garlic: Sauté minced garlic in the same pan for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Pasta: Pour in chicken broth, scrape the bottom to deglaze, and bring to a boil. Add penne, cover, and cook over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente.
- Make Sauce: Lower heat and stir in cream cheese until melted. Add ranch seasoning, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth.
- Combine: Return chicken and bacon to the pan, stirring to combine. Heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with parsley (optional). Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days in the fridge or up to 2 months in the freezer.
- Reheating: Warm on stovetop with a splash of broth or cream, or microwave in intervals.
- Variations: Use zucchini noodles for a low-carb version, add red pepper flakes for heat, or substitute with gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: dinner pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crack Chicken Penne, creamy chicken pasta recipe, one-pot chicken pasta, ranch chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinners