Description
Crack Chicken Penne is the ultimate comfort food, loaded with creamy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and tender chicken. This savory pasta dish comes together quickly for a satisfying weeknight dinner everyone will love!
Ingredients
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1 lb penne pasta
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2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
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1 packet ranch seasoning mix
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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3/4 cup bacon, cooked and chopped
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/2 onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Cook Pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
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Cook Onion & Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
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Make Sauce: Add cream cheese, ranch seasoning, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted, and the sauce becomes smooth.
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Combine Chicken & Bacon: Stir in the shredded chicken, cooked bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese. Let everything cook together for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Toss Pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing it all together until well combined.
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Season & Garnish: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
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Substitute Chicken: Feel free to use any cooked chicken you prefer, like leftover rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or even shredded chicken breast.
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For Extra Creaminess: If you want the sauce extra creamy, add a bit more cream cheese or heavy cream.
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Add More Veggies: For added flavor and nutrition, consider adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1/6 of the recipe)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Crack Chicken Penne, Chicken Penne Pasta, Cheesy Pasta Recipe, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Bacon Ranch Pasta, Easy Pasta Recipes, Weeknight Dinner