Description
Creamy Crack Chicken Penne is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a rich, cheesy sauce with the irresistible flavors of bacon and ranch. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 4 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil or reserved bacon drippings
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon until crispy, then remove and set aside. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the drippings in the skillet.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of ranch seasoning. Sear the chicken in the skillet, cooking 4-5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet, slice into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.
- In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until fully melted and combined.
- Stir in the ranch seasoning mix and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Add the uncooked penne pasta to the sauce, stirring to coat. Cover the skillet and cook over low heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy.
- Stir in the sliced chicken and crumbled bacon. Let everything warm through for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce for a touch of heat.
- Add vegetables like steamed broccoli or peas for a nutritious twist.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or chicken broth.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute with gluten-free pasta and ensure the ranch seasoning mix is gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes