Description
A creamy, savory pasta bake loaded with ranch-seasoned chicken, smoky bacon bits, and bubbling cheddar cheese. Crack Chicken Penne is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping your weekly comfort food fix.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 oz ranch seasoning mix (1 packet)
1/2 cup bacon bits
3/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat a little oil and cook chicken with salt and pepper until browned and cooked through.
- In a saucepan, melt cream cheese with milk over medium heat, stirring until smooth.
- Add ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder to the sauce. Stir in cooked chicken and half the cheddar cheese.
- Mix the cooked pasta into the sauce until evenly coated.
- Transfer everything into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and bacon bits over the top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly. Broil 2–3 minutes for a crisp top if desired.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if using.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner