Discover the Creamy Delight of Crack Chicken Penne Tonight!
Discover the Creamy Delight of Crack Chicken Penne Tonight!
Crack Chicken Penne is a delicious and creamy pasta dish that brings the flavors of ranch and bacon into a delightful meal. It’s easy to make and perfect for any night of the week. Your family will love every bite of this creamy delight.
Why make this recipe
This recipe is quick and simple, making it great for busy weeknights. With its creamy texture and rich flavor from bacon and ranch seasoning, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Plus, you only need a few ingredients to create a satisfying dish that everyone can enjoy.
How to make Crack Chicken Penne
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
Directions:
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, reserving the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and season with ranch seasoning. Brown the chicken on both sides.
- Stir in the penne pasta and chicken broth, bringing to a simmer. Cook until the pasta is al dente.
- Add the cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Fold in the cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until well combined. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
How to serve Crack Chicken Penne
Serve Crack Chicken Penne hot from the skillet. You can top it with extra cheese and parsley for added flavor and presentation. This dish pairs well with a side salad or some garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
How to store Crack Chicken Penne
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This dish can last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it until hot throughout.
Tips to make Crack Chicken Penne
- Use frozen or fresh chicken breasts for better flavor.
- Make sure to cook the pasta only until al dente to avoid mushy pasta.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk when mixing in the cream cheese.
Variation
You can make this dish with other types of pasta, like fusilli or rigatoni. You might also experiment with adding vegetables, such as spinach or cherry tomatoes, to increase the nutritional value.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different seasoning instead of ranch?
A: Yes, you can use Italian seasoning or any seasoning blend you prefer.
Q: Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
A: You can use whole wheat pasta and reduce the amount of bacon or cheese to lower calories and fat.
Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the bacon and chicken earlier in the day, then cook the pasta and assemble everything when ready to serve.
Crack Chicken Penne
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, reserving the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and season with ranch seasoning. Brown the chicken on both sides.
- Stir in the penne pasta and chicken broth, bringing to a simmer. Cook until the pasta is al dente.
- Add the cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Fold in the cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until well combined. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
