Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s pure comfort in every bite—our Quick Crack Chicken Penne: A Creamy Delight! Recipe is exactly what weeknight dinners were made for. Imagine tender chunks of chicken and smoky bacon mingling with velvety cream cheese sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. The addition of ranch seasoning and sharp cheddar cheese brings a delightful tang and richness that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. This is not just any pasta; it’s a one-pot wonder that’s easy enough for busy nights but impressive enough for guests!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is a star in its own right, coming together to create a harmony of flavors and textures. From the tender chicken providing hearty protein, the crispy bacon adding that essential smoky crunch, to the creamy sauce that wraps it all in pure indulgence—each component plays a crucial role.
- 1 pound penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto that rich sauce in every bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the chicken, adding a subtle fruity note and helping to brown evenly.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces): Tender, lean protein that soaks up all those delicious flavors.
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce): Infuses the dish with that classic zesty ranch flavor everyone loves.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm depth that complements the ranch seasoning perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: A subtle sweetness and savoriness to round out the seasoning blend.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to enhance all the flavors naturally.
- 6 ounces cream cheese (softened): Creates the luxuriously creamy base of the sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Lightens the sauce while adding a gentle savory note.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Richness in liquid form that makes every forkful luscious.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey goodness with a sharp bite that balances the creaminess.
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled): For that smoky crunch that elevates every mouthful.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional for garnish): Adds a fresh, mild oniony brightness and a pop of color.
How to Make Quick Crack Chicken Penne: A Creamy Delight! Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Begin by cooking your penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. This ensures the pasta will hold its shape and texture when mixed with the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain it well and set it aside, so it’s ready to soak up all that delicious flavor later.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken with Seasonings
In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the bite-sized chicken pieces, then sprinkle your packet of ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. The seasoning will start to build those layers of flavor right here.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Turn the heat down to medium-low and add the softened cream cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream into the skillet. Stir this mixture frequently as the cream cheese melts slowly into a smooth, irresistible sauce. Take your time with this step to make sure every string of creaminess is perfectly blended.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Cheese, and Bacon
Now for the magic moment—fold the cooked penne pasta, shredded cheddar cheese, and crispy crumbled bacon into the creamy sauce and chicken mixture. Stir well until the cheese melts completely and everything is heated through. This meld of textures and flavors is what makes the Quick Crack Chicken Penne: A Creamy Delight! Recipe so unforgettable.
How to Serve Quick Crack Chicken Penne: A Creamy Delight! Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling freshly chopped green onions on top adds a lovely garnish that brings fresh color and a subtle onion bite, cutting through the richness of the dish. You can also add a little cracked black pepper or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat if you like.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully hearty on its own, but if you want to complement it, try a simple crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or steamed broccoli for a fresh, vibrant contrast. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also make incredible companions for soaking up any extra sauce leftover on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this creamy penne in individual oven-safe ramekins topped with extra shredded cheese and broil until bubbly and golden brown. Alternatively, wedge it into a bread bowl for a rustic presentation that doubles as an edible serving vessel—perfect for impressing guests effortlessly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of the Quick Crack Chicken Penne: A Creamy Delight! Recipe, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making for an equally delicious next-day meal. Just make sure to eat within 3 to 4 days for the best quality.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but cream-based pasta dishes don’t always hold texture perfectly after thawing. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. When thawing, do so slowly in the refrigerator overnight to help maintain creamiest texture possible.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin out the sauce if it has thickened too much. Stir frequently to evenly heat without curdling the cream. Microwave works too if you cover the dish and stir halfway through reheating.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut that makes this recipe come together even faster without sacrificing flavor. Just add it in the sauce step and heat through until warm.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
While traditional penne pasta contains gluten, you can easily swap it out for gluten-free pasta varieties to keep this dish friendly for gluten-sensitive diners. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How spicy is the Quick Crack Chicken Penne: A Creamy Delight! Recipe?
This recipe is mild and family-friendly as is, but you can always kick up the spice by adding red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to suit your taste buds.
Can I prepare this dish in advance for meal prepping?
Yes! Cook the components ahead of time, store them separately, then combine and heat just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
What cheese works best if I want to try a variation?
Sharp cheddar is classic here, but you can experiment with mozzarella for extra gooeyness or a little Parmesan for a salty depth. Mixing cheeses can add exciting new dimensions to the recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Quick Crack Chicken Penne: A Creamy Delight! Recipe is your new go-to. It’s creamy, smoky, cheesy, and effortlessly satisfying. Believe me, once you’ve made it, it’ll become a cherished favorite that you reach for time and again—whether for a hectic weekday dinner or an indulgent weekend treat. So grab your ingredients, and dive into this delightful one-pot wonder tonight!
Print
Quick Crack Chicken Penne: A Creamy Delight! Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This rich and creamy crack chicken penne is a fast, comforting weeknight dinner made with tender chicken, smoky bacon, ranch seasoning, and gooey cheddar cheese, all tossed with penne pasta in a luscious cream cheese sauce. It’s a one-pot wonder your family will crave again and again!
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Seasonings and Spices
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dairy and Liquids
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6–8 minutes or until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Make Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low, then stir in the cream cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Cook, stirring frequently, until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, shredded cheddar cheese, and bacon to the sauce. Stir well to combine and heat through until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
