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Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 76 reviews

Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, savory pasta dish featuring tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch-flavored cheese sauce. This quick and comforting recipe combines the smokiness of bacon with the tang of ranch seasoning, melted cheddar, and tender penne pasta for a hearty meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz penne pasta

Chicken and Bacon

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

Sauce

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Garnish and Seasoning

  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Boil Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente or tender.
  2. Drain Pasta: Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
  3. Prepare Sauce Base: Place a saucepan over medium heat and add the softened cream cheese, allowing it to melt gently.
  4. Add Chicken Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while continuously stirring to create a smooth, creamy sauce without lumps.
  5. Incorporate Ranch Seasoning: Mix in the entire packet of ranch seasoning thoroughly to infuse the sauce with classic tangy and herbaceous flavors.
  6. Add Shredded Chicken: Stir the cooked, shredded chicken into the creamy ranch sauce, ensuring it is fully coated and heated through.
  7. Mix in Bacon: Add the crumbled cooked bacon pieces, combining them evenly throughout the sauce for a smoky crunch.
  8. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the sauce mixture, tossing gently to coat the pasta fully with the creamy chicken and bacon sauce.
  9. Add Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top and mix until melted and well incorporated, creating a rich cheesy consistency.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Top the dish with chopped green onions for a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot immediately for the best experience.

Notes

  • You can substitute rotisserie chicken for cooked chicken for convenience.
  • For a lower fat version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese.
  • Adjust ranch seasoning according to taste or dietary sodium restrictions.
  • Ensure to cook bacon until crispy for better texture contrast in the dish.
  • Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Keywords: crack chicken, penne pasta, creamy chicken pasta, bacon pasta, ranch seasoning, comfort food, easy dinner

Find it online: https://todayquickmeals.com/crack-chicken-penne-recipe/