Description
Creamy crack chicken penne delivers a comforting pasta experience packed with bold flavors. Cheese, bacon, and ranch seasoning combine for a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
- 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
- 1 packet (28 g) ranch seasoning mix
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup (15 g) chopped green onions
Instructions
- Boil penne pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat at 350°F, adding cubed chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sauté chicken until exterior turns golden brown and interior reaches 165°F, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Generously dust ranch seasoning over cooked chicken, ensuring complete coverage and even distribution.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and incorporate cream cheese, stirring until it melts and creates a smooth consistency.
- Gradually pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, whisking continuously to prevent lumping.
- Fold shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce, mixing until completely melted and sauce becomes creamy.
- Gently introduce cooked penne into the skillet, tossing carefully to ensure each pasta piece is evenly coated with the rich sauce.
- Sprinkle crispy crumbled bacon and freshly chopped green onions across the top of the dish for added texture and flavor.
- Transfer to serving plates immediately while hot and serve.
Notes
- Select high-quality chicken breasts for the most tender and flavorful result.
- Use fresh garlic powder for more intense flavor compared to pre-ground varieties.
- Adjust ranch seasoning quantity based on personal taste preferences to control saltiness.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version of the dish.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened at room temperature for smoother sauce integration.
- Customize protein options by substituting chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken or turkey.
- Cook bacon separately to control crispness and reduce excess grease in the final dish.
- Replace penne with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for fewer carbohydrates.
- For gluten-free version, use gluten-free ranch seasoning and pasta made from alternative grains.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 790 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg