Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
Enjoy a comforting and creamy Crack Chicken Penne pasta dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with savory flavors from crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a rich blend of cheeses. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this skillet recipe brings together ranch seasoning and fresh parsley for a deliciously satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
Pasta & Dairy
- 8 ounce penne pasta
- 8 ounce cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasoning & Liquids
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the thick-cut bacon slices until they become crispy. Remove the cooked bacon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Keep the bacon fat in the skillet for cooking the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over the chicken. Brown the chicken on each side until cooked through and golden brown.
- Add Pasta and Broth: Stir in the penne pasta and pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the pasta is al dente, absorbing most of the broth and tenderizing.
- Add Cream Cheese: Add the cream cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until it melts completely and creates a creamy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken.
- Combine Bacon and Cheese: Crumble the cooked bacon and fold it into the skillet along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts and everything is evenly combined.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the top as a bright garnish. Serve the creamy crack chicken penne hot for a delicious and hearty meal.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels while maintaining flavor.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when browning the chicken.
- Fresh parsley adds a refreshing herbal note; substitute with chives or basil if preferred.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to help it incorporate more smoothly into the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: crack chicken, penne pasta, creamy pasta, chicken recipe, bacon recipe, ranch seasoning, easy dinner, one-pan meal
Find it online: https://tastygenius.com/creamy-crack-chicken-penne-recipe/
