Description
Irresistible “crack chicken penne” brings zesty comfort to dinner tables with creamy, cheesy pasta perfection. Family-friendly flavors merge tender chicken, rich sauce, and hearty penne for a quick meal that satisfies hungry crowds in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
Cheese and Dairy:
- 4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
Pasta and Seasonings:
- 8 ounces (225 g) penne pasta (uncooked)
- 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet (1 ounce/28 g) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare a spacious skillet or Dutch oven, heating olive oil over medium-high temperature for chicken preparation.
- Season chicken pieces generously with ranch seasoning, incorporating salt and pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
- Sauté chicken thoroughly until golden brown and completely cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes, then transfer to a separate plate.
- Utilize the same cooking vessel to combine chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional crushed red pepper flakes.
- Introduce uncooked penne pasta directly into the liquid mixture, bringing contents to a vigorous boil before reducing heat.
- Cover and simmer the pasta, stirring intermittently, until pasta reaches tender consistency, typically 10-12 minutes.
- Incorporate cream cheese into the pasta, stirring until completely melted and creating a smooth, creamy texture.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet, adding shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, mixing until cheese melts entirely.
- Fold crumbled bacon throughout the dish, reserving a small portion for potential garnish.
- Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions to add brightness and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately while hot, ensuring maximum flavor and optimal creamy consistency.
Notes
- Adjust ranch seasoning intensity by gradually adding it to match your preferred flavor profile, ensuring a balanced taste without overwhelming the dish.
- Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels, making the recipe more heart-friendly and customizable for those watching sodium intake.
- Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining the recipe’s creamy, comforting essence.
- Consider using turkey bacon or reducing bacon quantity for a lighter version that still delivers rich, smoky flavor without excess calories.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg