Description
Crack Chicken Penne is the ultimate one-skillet comfort food, made with creamy ranch-seasoned sauce, tender chicken, smoky bacon, and penne pasta. This rich, cheesy dinner recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or indulgent weekend meals. Keywords: Crack Chicken Penne, creamy chicken pasta, bacon ranch penne, one-skillet chicken recipe.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
8 oz penne pasta
4 oz cream cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice into strips.
3. Boil penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir until melted and smooth.
5. Mix in ranch seasoning and shredded cheddar. Stir until combined and creamy.
6. Return cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.
7. Stir in crumbled bacon.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother, creamier melt.
If the sauce thickens too much during reheating, add a splash of cream or milk.
Customize with veggies like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 140mg