Description
Creamy “crack chicken penne” delivers pure comfort with its irresistible blend of tender pasta, savory chicken, and rich cheese sauce. Hearty flavors meld together, promising a satisfying meal that keeps families coming back for more deliciousness.
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
Dairy and Cheese:
- 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
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet (1 ounce/28 g) ranch seasoning mix
- 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
- 8 ounces (225 g) penne pasta (uncooked)
- 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 the protein by searing seasoned chicken pieces in a hot skillet with olive oil until they develop a golden-brown exterior and reach full doneness. Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate.
- In the same skillet, combine chicken broth, milk, and aromatic powders to create a flavorful liquid base. Introduce uncooked penne pasta and allow the mixture to reach a boil before reducing heat and simmering, covered, until pasta becomes tender and absorbs the liquid.
- Transform the simmered pasta into a luxurious sauce by incorporating cream cheese, stirring until it melts completely and creates a smooth, velvety texture. Reintroduce the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Elevate the dish’s richness by melting cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the mixture, creating a decadent and creamy coating that envelops the pasta and chicken.
- Enhance the flavor profile by folding in crispy, crumbled bacon, distributing it evenly throughout the dish for a salty, crunchy element.
- Finish the preparation by garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions, which will add a bright, fresh note to the rich and creamy pasta. Serve immediately while the dish is piping hot.
Notes
- Perfectly crisp chicken by ensuring the skillet is hot before adding the meat, creating a golden-brown exterior that locks in juicy flavor.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and ranch seasoning, making the dish more heart-healthy without compromising taste.
- Gluten-free option works brilliantly by substituting regular penne with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour.
- Vegetarian transformation possible by replacing chicken with plant-based protein like roasted cauliflower or tofu, maintaining the creamy, cheesy essence of the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg