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crack chicken penne

Crack Chicken Penne: A Delicious Pasta Dish

This Crack Chicken Penne is the perfect combination of tender penne pasta, juicy shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious creamy cheese sauce with ranch flavors. Loved by kids and adults alike, this easy one-pot dinner is great for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. The creamy sauce coats every bite, making it rich, satisfying, and utterly addictive—hence the name "crack" chicken!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rest Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 300 g penne pasta
  • 2 chicken breasts about 400g
  • 150 g cream cheese
  • 1 cup chicken broth 240ml
  • 1 cup heavy cream 240ml
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix 28g
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 100g
  • 6 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Method
 

  1. Cook Pasta: Boil penne in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté Chicken (if not pre-cooked): In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully done. Shred the chicken.
  3. Make Sauce: In a large pan, combine chicken broth, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning. Cook over medium heat, whisking until smooth.
  4. Add Cream & Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a light simmer. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  5. Combine All: Add cooked penne, shredded chicken, and crumbled bacon to the sauce. Toss until everything is well coated.
  6. Bake (Optional): For an extra cheesy finish, transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheddar, and bake at 180°C for 10 minutes.
  7. Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

  • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
  • Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition.
  • This dish reheats well and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.