Description
How to make creamy Crack Chicken Penne with tender chicken, savory bacon, and rich cream cheese that your family will crave nightly.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Components:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Aromatics & Flavor Builders:
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (1 ounce) packet dry Ranch seasoning mix
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Cooking Essentials & Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- Garnish & Finishing Touches:
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Bacon & Pasta: Start by cooking bacon until crispy, then crumble. Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. While they cook, dice onion and mince garlic, setting everything aside for your delicious Crack Chicken Penne.
- Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside, reserving any drippings in the pan.
- Build Sauce: Add onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Whisk in chicken broth, then add cream cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
- Simmer & Thicken: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and Ranch seasoning. Gradually fold in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the creamy sauce. Add the drained penne pasta and crumbled bacon, tossing gently to coat everything evenly. This creates the perfect Crack Chicken Penne, ensuring every piece is enveloped in rich sauce.
- Garnish & Serve: Ladle generous portions of the Ultimate Crack Chicken Penne into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, family-favorite meal.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for a perfectly smooth, lump-free sauce.
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Penne can be substituted with rotini, ziti, or cavatappi; follow package directions for al dente.
Serve hot, garnished with parsley, alongside a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread.
Lightly toast dry Ranch seasoning before adding to enhance its savory notes in the sauce.
**Allergy Information:** Dairy, Gluten