Crack Chicken Penne

Crack Chicken Penne is a flavorful and satisfying pasta dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and zesty ranch seasoning. This one-pot meal is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why Make Crack Chicken Penne

Crack Chicken Penne is a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults alike. With its creamy texture, savory bacon, and cheesy goodness, it’s a comforting meal that will leave everyone satisfied. Plus, it’s versatile – you can customize it with your favorite pasta shapes and add extra veggies for a nutritious boost.

How to Make Crack Chicken Penne

1. Cook Bacon and Chicken:
   • Cook the bacon in a large Dutch oven until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and chop it into bits.
   • In the same pot, add the chicken and cook until it starts to brown. Add the ranch seasoning mix to the chicken and stir to coat evenly.
2. Cook Pasta:
   • Add the uncooked penne pasta and chicken broth to the pot. Stir well, then bring to a boil.
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the pasta is cooked al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Add Creamy Cheese Sauce:
   • Stir in the cream cheese until melted and creamy. Add the cooked bacon back to the pot.
   • Mix in 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
4. Finish and Serve:
   • Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top and cover the pot briefly to melt the cheese.
   • Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Crack Chicken Penne hot, straight from the pot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Storage Info

Store any leftover Crack Chicken Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to maintain creaminess.

Techniques or Tips

• For extra flavor, cook the pasta in chicken broth instead of water.
• Customize the dish by adding diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms along with the chicken.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences by adding more or less ranch seasoning mix.

Variation

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, for a unique flavor twist. You can also swap the bacon for cooked ham or crispy pancetta for a different taste experience.

FAQs about Crack Chicken Penne

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead of raw chicken breast?
   • Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken for a quicker cooking time. Simply add it to the pot along with the pasta and broth, then proceed with the recipe as directed.
2. Can I make Crack Chicken Penne ahead of time?
   • While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the dish in advance and reheat it before serving. Keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to loosen it up.
3. Is Crack Chicken Penne spicy?
   • The ranch seasoning mix adds flavor but is not spicy. However, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños if you prefer a bit of heat. Adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences.

Recipe Card

Crack Chicken Penne

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This Crack Chicken Penne is a flavorful and creamy pasta dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese sauce seasoned with ranch seasoning. It's a comforting and indulgent meal that's sure to become a family favorite.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

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• 4 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small bite-size pieces
• 1 ounce ranch seasoning (1 packet or 2 tablespoons)
• 8 ounces penne pasta (uncooked, or pasta of your choice)
• 3½ cups low-sodium or no salt added chicken broth
• 4 ounces cream cheese (such as Philadelphia)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Equipment

• Large Dutch Oven
• Cooking Spoon
• Knife

Method

 

1. Cook the bacon in a large Dutch oven until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and drain some of the bacon fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon of fat. Chop the bacon into bits.
2. In the same pot, add the chicken and cook for about 3 minutes over medium-high heat until it starts to brown. Add the ranch seasoning mix to the chicken and stir, ensuring each chicken piece is coated in the seasoning mix.
3. Add the penne and chicken broth to the pot, then stir. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat, cover, and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the pasta is cooked al dente or to your preference. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. There should still be some liquid in the pot when the pasta is done cooking. Add more broth if needed, although 3½ cups should be perfect.
4. Add the cream cheese to the pot and stir until the sauce is creamy and most of the cream cheese has melted. Add the bacon back to the pot, then add about 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined, and the cheese is melted nicely.
5. Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheddar cheese over the top and cover the pot with the lid. Cook for about 30 seconds, then turn off the heat and remove the lid. The cheese should have melted. Alternatively, you can place the Dutch oven in the oven under the broiler for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and starts to brown on top.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve. Enjoy your Crack Chicken Penne!

Notes

This dish is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.

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