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Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 87 reviews

Indulge in the creamy, savory flavors of Crack Chicken Penne, a comforting one-pan dish featuring tender chicken breasts, crispy bacon, and a luscious blend of cream cheese and cheddar. This easy-to-make skillet pasta combines ranch seasoning with fresh parsley for a flavorful finish that’s perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Seasoning

  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning

Pasta and Dairy

  • 8 ounce penne pasta
  • 8 ounce cream cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Liquids and Garnish

  • 3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thick-cut bacon slices and cook until they are crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pan for flavor.
  2. Brown the 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 both sides until golden and nearly cooked through.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Stir the uncooked penne pasta into the skillet and pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the broth, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Add Cream Cheese: Cut the cream cheese into chunks and add it to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted, creating a smooth and creamy sauce that coats the chicken and pasta.
  5. Combine Cheese and Bacon: Crumble the cooked bacon and fold it into the skillet along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a fresh, bright finish. Serve hot for a satisfying and creamy dinner experience.

Notes

  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
  • Cook the pasta just until al dente as it will continue to soften in the creamy sauce.
  • For extra spice, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when browning the chicken.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • This recipe can be adapted with gluten-free pasta if desired.

Keywords: Crack Chicken, Penne Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Bacon, Ranch Seasoning, Easy Dinner, One-Pan Meal

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