Description
Delectable crack chicken penne delivers comfort and creamy indulgence straight from Southern kitchens. Cheesy pasta with ranch seasoning and tender chicken promises a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 (8 ounces/226 grams) package cream cheese, cubed
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Pasta and Seasonings:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 packet (1 ounce/28 grams) ranch seasoning mix
- 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoons onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Pour penne, chicken broth, heavy cream, and milk into a large pot, heating over medium temperature until gently bubbling.
- Incorporate cream cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder into the liquid mixture, allowing pasta to simmer for 10-12 minutes until perfectly tender.
- Fold in shredded chicken and crispy crumbled bacon, ensuring even distribution throughout the creamy pasta.
- Lower heat and gradually blend shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until cheese melts into a luxurious, smooth consistency.
- Delicately adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance overall flavor profile.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the surface for a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch.
- Transfer to serving dishes immediately while maintaining optimal warmth and creamy texture.
Notes
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version that still maintains creamy richness.
- Select chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken for easy shredding and consistent protein texture.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
- Customize spice levels by adjusting ranch seasoning or adding red pepper flakes for extra kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 499 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 698 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 113 mg