Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Crack Chicken Penne! Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors, this dish features tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch-seasoned cheese sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
For Garnish:
-
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- Extra crispy bacon bits (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove, crumble, and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add the cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking to combine.
- Stir in ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
- Add the drained penne pasta and mix well.
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the top and stir gently.
- Serve and Enjoy!
- Garnish with chopped green onions and extra bacon bits.
- Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Use fresh shredded cheese for better melting and a creamier sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to maintain creaminess.
- Make it low-carb by swapping the pasta for cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American