Description
Delicious crack chicken penne combines creamy sauce with tender pasta and savory chicken for an irresistible meal. Rich flavors and simple ingredients make this dish a perfect weeknight dinner option you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) penne pasta
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
Protein and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 3/4 cup bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Seasoning Components:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil penne pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes at a rolling boil until al dente, then drain and reserve.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, sautéing diced onions and minced garlic until softened and fragrant.
- Lower heat and incorporate cream cheese and ranch seasoning, whisking until smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Stream chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, stirring constantly to create a uniform, velvety sauce.
- Fold shredded chicken, half the crumbled bacon, and cheddar cheese into the sauce, stirring until cheese completely melts and ingredients integrate.
- Transfer cooked penne into the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat each pasta piece with the rich, creamy mixture.
- Top the dish with remaining crispy bacon bits and freshly chopped parsley as a vibrant finishing touch before serving hot.
Notes
- Customize the pasta by using gluten-free penne for a celiac-friendly version.
- Reduce calories by substituting Greek yogurt for cream cheese and using low-fat milk instead of heavy cream.
- Prep chicken in advance by slow-cooking or using rotisserie chicken for faster meal preparation.
- Control sodium levels by choosing low-sodium chicken broth and reducing ranch seasoning mix quantity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 663
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 830 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg