Indulgent Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

Introduction

Indulgent Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch-infused sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it comes together quickly and satisfies hearty appetites.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces Penne Pasta (can substitute with gluten-free pasta)
• 2 cups Cooked Chicken (shredded) (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 8 ounces Cream Cheese (consider lower-fat version)
• 1 packet Ranch Seasoning Mix (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup Chicken Broth (low-sodium options recommended)
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (can substitute with Monterey Jack)
• 6 slices Cooked Bacon (crumbled) (turkey bacon for lighter option)
• 2 tablespoons Chopped Green Onions (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, combine cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and chicken broth over medium heat, stirring until smooth and heated through.
3. Step 3: Add shredded chicken and crumbled bacon to the skillet, mix well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in the cooked penne pasta, ensuring it is evenly coated with the sauce, about 2 minutes.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, cover, and reduce heat to low. Let sit for 3-5 minutes until cheese melts.
6. Step 6: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter option, substitute turkey bacon and use reduced-fat cream cheese.
• Gluten-free pasta works well for those with dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.
• Add a handful of steamed broccoli or peas for extra color and nutrition.
• Adjust ranch seasoning to taste, starting with half a packet if you prefer a milder flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?

Yes, cooked chicken breast or thighs shredded after cooking work well. Just ensure the chicken is fully cooked before adding it to the sauce.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

While you can freeze the cooked pasta and sauce separately, the texture of the pasta may soften after freezing. For best results, freeze the sauce and cooked chicken alone, then combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

Indulgent Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 141 reviews

• Author: Victor
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Indulgent Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish featuring tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and a flavorful ranch-seasoned sauce. This comforting skillet meal combines penne pasta with a rich cream cheese and cheddar sauce, topped with green onions for a fresh finish. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, it can easily be adapted with gluten-free pasta or lighter ingredients.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 ounces Penne Pasta (can substitute with gluten-free pasta)

Chicken

• 2 cups Cooked Chicken (shredded) (rotisserie chicken works well)

Cheese and Dairy

• 8 ounces Cream Cheese (consider lower-fat version)
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (can substitute with Monterey Jack)

Seasonings and Broth

• 1 packet Ranch Seasoning Mix (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup Chicken Broth (low-sodium options recommended)

Additional Ingredients

• 6 slices Cooked Bacon (crumbled) (turkey bacon for lighter option)
• 2 tablespoons Chopped Green Onions (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and set aside.
2. Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, and chicken broth. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and heated through, creating a flavorful sauce base.
3. Add proteins: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and crumbled cooked bacon into the sauce. Mix well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to warm up.
4. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked and drained penne pasta to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy ranch sauce. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes to let everything come together.
5. Melt cheese topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it sit for 3-5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt perfectly.
6. Garnish and serve: Remove the lid and garnish the dish with freshly chopped green onions for a pop of color and mild onion flavor. Serve the dish hot for the best taste experience.

Notes

• You can use gluten-free penne pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
• For a lighter version, substitute turkey bacon and lower-fat cream cheese.
• Rotisserie chicken is convenient and adds great flavor but cooked chicken breast can also be used.
• Adjust ranch seasoning according to your taste preference—use less for milder flavor.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: crack chicken, penne pasta, creamy chicken pasta, ranch chicken pasta, bacon chicken pasta, comfort food, cheesy pasta, easy dinner