Crack Chicken Penne: Quick & Creamy Pasta Dinner (Print Version)
Creamy Crack Chicken Penne is a quick, flavorful pasta dinner. Tender chicken, savory bacon, and a rich ranch-cream sauce with penne pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ The Pasta & Protein Core
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil
02 -
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
03 -
12 oz penne pasta
→ The Signature Creamy Blend
04 -
8 oz cream cheese, softened
05 -
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
06 -
1/2 cup whole milk
07 -
1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
→ Cheesy & Savory Boosters
08 -
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
09 -
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 -
6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
→ Freshness & Seasoning
11 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
12 -
1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped, for garnish
13 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. While pasta cooks, dice 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. Mince 2 cloves garlic. Cook 6 slices bacon crisp, then crumble and set aside.
02 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
03 -
Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups chicken broth, 1/2 cup whole milk, and 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix. Whisk until smooth and creamy. This forms the delicious base for your Crack Chicken Penne: A Quick & Creamy Pasta.
04 -
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Add 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until both cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is thick and smooth. Continue to whisk gently to prevent sticking.
05 -
Drain the cooked penne pasta and add it to the skillet with the creamy cheese sauce. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in the rich, creamy sauce. Ensure every bite of your Crack Chicken Penne: A Quick & Creamy Pasta is perfect.
06 -
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Serve the Crack Chicken Penne: A Quick & Creamy Pasta immediately, garnished generously with the crumbled 6 slices bacon and 1/4 cup fresh chives. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish!
# Notes:
01 -
For an even richer sauce, reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining and add it to the sauce if it seems too thick.
02 -
Store leftover Crack Chicken Penne 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 -
To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Shred about 2-3 cups and add it in Step 5 along with the pasta.
04 -
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a great fresh counterpoint to the richness of this creamy pasta dish.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Measuring cups
06 -
Measuring spoons
07 -
Wooden spoon or spatula
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 992 kcal
Total Fat: 50 g
Total Carbohydrate: 72 g
Protein: 64 g