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Crack Chicken Penne

Crack Chicken Penne

Crack Chicken Penne is a rich and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, smoky bacon, ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and penne pasta — all tossed together in one irresistible skillet. Comforting, cheesy, and quick to make!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 760
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
  • 6 slices bacon chopped
  • 1 packet 1 oz ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Pasta pot
  • Slotted spoon
  • Knife & cutting board

Method
 

Cook pasta:
  1. Cook penne in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook bacon:
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 1 tbsp bacon grease in the pan.
Cook chicken:
  1. Add olive oil to the skillet with bacon grease. Add diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and ranch seasoning. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
Make the sauce:
  1. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Stir in cream cheese until melted.
  3. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
Combine:
  1. Add cooked penne and bacon to the skillet. Stir to coat.
  2. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Serve:
  1. Garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot!

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
Add a handful of baby spinach or broccoli for extra veggies.
You can adjust ranch seasoning to taste for less saltiness.