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Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 140 reviews

A creamy, flavorful Crack Chicken Penne recipe combining tender shredded chicken, rich cream cheese sauce, savory bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese tossed with al dente penne pasta. Perfect for a comforting dinner that’s easy to make and packed with delicious flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 lb penne pasta

Chicken & Bacon

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
  • 3/4 cup bacon, cooked and chopped

Sauce

  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning & Garnish

  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside to be combined later.
  2. Cook Onion & Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, releasing its aroma.
  3. Make Sauce: To the skillet, add softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely, resulting in a smooth and creamy sauce.
  4. Combine Chicken & Bacon: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, chopped cooked bacon, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Let the mixture simmer and cook together for 5-7 minutes to meld all the flavors well.
  5. Toss Pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the sauce and chicken mixture. Toss everything thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated and combined with the creamy sauce.
  6. Season & Garnish: Season the dish with salt and pepper to your taste. Finally, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top as a bright, fresh garnish before serving.

Notes

  • Substitute Chicken: You can use any cooked chicken you prefer such as leftover rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or shredded chicken breast.
  • For Extra Creaminess: Add more cream cheese or heavy cream to make the sauce richer and creamier.
  • Add More Veggies: Enhance flavor and nutrition by adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini.

Keywords: Crack Chicken, Penne Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Ranch Seasoning, Bacon Pasta, Easy Dinner Recipe

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