Description
This Crack Chicken Penne combines tender pasta, creamy cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and flavorful ranch-seasoned chicken for a one-pot comfort food meal that’s absolutely irresistible. Perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving something indulgent!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet (1 oz/28 g) ranch seasoning mix
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- 8 oz (225 g) penne pasta (uncooked)
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken pieces with ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the Liquids and Pasta:
- In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
- Stir in the uncooked penne pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Make the Sauce:
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the cream cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, along with the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add the Bacon:
- Stir in the crumbled bacon, reserving a small amount for garnish if desired.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Make It Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicier kick.
- Pasta Options: Substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rotini or farfalle.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.