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
Scale
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.
