Description
Creamy, cheesy Crack Chicken Penne delivers irresistible comfort food straight from home kitchens. Savory shredded chicken, ranch seasoning, and melted cheese create an addictive pasta experience you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 8 ounces (226 grams) uncooked penne pasta
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
Sauce & Cheese Ingredients:
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning
Garnish Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Sizzle bacon in a Dutch oven until golden and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel, reserving one tablespoon of rendered fat in the pot.
- Sear chicken pieces in the reserved bacon fat, cooking for approximately 3 minutes until initial browning occurs. Sprinkle ranch seasoning over chicken, thoroughly coating each piece.
- Pour penne and broth into the pot. Elevate heat to bring mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce temperature. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing pasta to absorb liquid and become tender.
- Incorporate cream cheese into the pot, stirring continuously until completely melted and sauce becomes smooth. Fold in chopped bacon and the primary portion of cheddar cheese, blending thoroughly.
- Scatter remaining cheese across the surface. Cover the pot briefly, allowing residual heat to melt cheese into a luxurious topping. Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley for a vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Crisp the bacon thoroughly for maximum crunch and flavor depth, ensuring it doesn’t become burnt or bitter.
- Use homemade ranch seasoning for a fresher taste and control over sodium levels, which can be adjusted for dietary needs.
- Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature before adding to create smoother, lump-free sauce consistency.
- Swap penne with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, gluten-free alternative that maintains the dish’s creamy essence.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg