Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
A creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring penne tossed with shredded chicken, ranch seasoning, cheese, and crispy bacon for a comforting meal that's simple to prepare.
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon thick cut
- 1 pound chicken breast boneless and skinless, cut into small bite size pieces
- 1 ounce ranch seasoning (1 packet or 2 tbsp)
- 8 ounces penne uncooked, or pasta of your choice
- 3½ cups chicken broth low sodium or no salt added
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped
Instructions
-
Step 1: Sizzle the Bacon to Perfection
Get your large Dutch oven ready and bring it to medium heat. Toss in those thick-cut bacon slices and let them cook until they’re irresistibly crispy. Once done, scoop them out, leaving behind about a tablespoon of that glorious bacon fat. This fat is liquid gold for flavoring the dish. Chop the bacon into delightful bits while resisting the urge to nibble on them. -
Step 2: Brown the Chicken with Ranch Goodness
With the bacon sizzling in the background, it's time for the chicken to shine. In the same pot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Cook these for roughly 3 minutes at medium-high heat until they develop a light golden hue. Don’t worry if they’re still pink inside; they’ll cook through later. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix generously over the chicken, ensuring each piece gets a flavorful coat. -
Step 3: Cook the Pasta to Al Dente
Now, it’s time to get that pasta simmering. Add the uncooked penne and chicken broth to the pot, giving it a good stir to mix everything. Allow the mixture to reach a boil, then reduce to low heat. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. Aim for that perfect al dente bite. If you notice the pot getting dry, feel free to add a splash more broth to keep things moist. -
Step 4: Make it Creamy with Cheese
Creaminess is key here, so add in the cream cheese, stirring until it’s mostly melted and blending into a luxurious sauce. This is when you toss those bacon bits back into the mix. Stir in about 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until it’s all well combined, creating a cheesy dream come true. -
Step 5: Melt and Broil for Perfection
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover with the lid and let it melt over low heat for about 30 seconds before turning off the heat. If you’re feeling fancy, pop the pot under the broiler for around 5 minutes to get a bubbly, slightly browned top. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning. -
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Now, it’s ready to serve! Dig in and enjoy this cheesy, creamy masterpiece with friends or family—or keep it all to yourself, we won’t judge!
Notes
When whipping up Crack Chicken Penne, a few slip-ups are more common than you'd think. One frequent hiccup is overcooking the chicken, turning it into rubber. Remember, it just needs a golden touch, as it'll continue cooking with the pasta. Another pitfall is not stirring the pasta enough. This can lead to clumps or sticky bits at the bottom. Keep that spoon handy and give it a swirl now and then.
Also, don't be shy with the broth! It should be a little saucy, not dry. If your pot looks thirsty, add a splash more broth. Lastly, when melting the cheese, don't rush it—let it ooze naturally for that creamy goodness. Avoid these missteps, and your dish will sing with flavor!