Description
Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that combines tender shredded chicken, smoky bacon, and a cheesy ranch-infused sauce. This easy stovetop recipe delivers a comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners, featuring penne pasta coated in a smooth cream cheese and cheddar sauce, finished with fresh green onions for a burst of color and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
Protein
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
Dairy
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, and chicken broth. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add chicken and bacon: Incorporate the shredded cooked chicken and crumbled cooked bacon into the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly within the sauce.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, mixing thoroughly so the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy chicken and bacon sauce.
- Add cheese and melt: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta and cover the skillet with a lid. Allow the cheese to melt, about 3-5 minutes, ensuring a rich, cheesy topping.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the lid and garnish the dish with freshly chopped green onions. Serve hot, enjoying the blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from leftovers or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Cook bacon until crispy for the best texture contrast.
- If cream cheese starts to stick, add a splash more chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes with the ranch seasoning.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free penne pasta and a gluten-free ranch seasoning mix.
Keywords: crack chicken penne, creamy chicken pasta, bacon pasta recipe, ranch seasoning pasta, easy stovetop dinner, cheesy penne pasta