Description
Quick, creamy Crack Chicken Penne recipe. Tender chicken, bacon, and ranch in a rich sauce. A comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- Penne Pasta (12 oz)
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (2, about 1 lb total)
- Bacon (6 slices, chopped)
- Cream Cheese (4 oz, full-fat)
- Flavor Boosters:
- Chicken Broth (1 cup, low sodium)
- Heavy Cream (1/2 cup)
- Ranch Seasoning Mix (2 tbsp)
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
- Onion Powder (1/2 tsp)
- Black Pepper (1/4 tsp, or to taste)
- Finishing Touches:
- Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded sharp)
- Green Onions (2, sliced)
- Optional Extras:
- Hot Sauce (a dash)
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 tsp)
Instructions
- Crisp the Bacon, Cook the Chicken:: First things first, get that bacon sizzling! Cook it until it’s lovely and crispy, then pull it out and set it aside, leaving just a tablespoon or two of that glorious bacon fat in the skillet. While that’s happening, season your chicken breasts with a little salt and pepper. Pop them into the same skillet and cook until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. I always get a little excited at this stage because the kitchen starts to smell amazing!
- Boil the Penne:: While your chicken is cooking, get a big pot of water boiling for your penne. Don’t forget to generously salt the water, like I always used to! Cook the penne according to package directions until it’s al dente – that’s just a fancy way of saying it still has a little bite. Once it’s done, drain it, but save about a cup of that starchy pasta water. You might need it later to get that perfect sauce consistency for your Crack Chicken Penne, trust me.
- Build Your Creamy Sauce:: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and shred or dice it. Now, back to that skillet! Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add your cream cheese, chicken broth, heavy cream, ranch seasoning, minced garlic, and onion powder. Whisk it all together until the cream cheese is fully melted and you’ve got a smooth, dreamy sauce. This is where the magic happens, and the smell of the ranch starts to fill your kitchen. So good!
- Combine and Stir:: Once your sauce is smooth, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and fully incorporated. Then, add your cooked penne pasta and the shredded chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything gently until the pasta and chicken are coated in that luscious, creamy sauce. This is the part where I always taste-test, sometimes a little too much!
- Add Bacon & Adjust:: Now for the good stuff! Crumble in most of your crispy bacon bits, saving a few for garnish if you’re feeling fancy. If your sauce seems a little too thick, add a splash or two of that reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. I like mine super creamy, so sometimes I add a fair bit. Give it another good stir and a final taste test. Does it need more pepper? Maybe a tiny pinch more salt?
- Serve Your Crack Chicken Penne:: Dish out your warm, inviting Crack Chicken Penne! Garnish each serving with the remaining crispy bacon bits and a sprinkle of fresh green onions. The vibrant green against the creamy sauce just looks so appealing. It’s ready to devour! Honestly, this dish always disappears so fast in my house, it’s almost comical. Enjoy every single bite!