Description
Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed pasta dish combining tender chicken, smoky bacon, ranch seasoning, and penne pasta. Perfect for a quick family dinner, this one-pot wonder is comforting and delicious!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (16 oz) penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 oz)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, cook penne pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside. - Cook the Chicken:
In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked (about 6–8 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. - Make the Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium-low. In the pot, add chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the ranch seasoning and cream cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. - Combine Everything:
Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and crumbled bacon to the sauce. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and everything is coated in the creamy sauce. - Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute penne with any short pasta like rotini or farfalle.
- Add some steamed broccoli or peas for extra vegetables.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.