Looking for a pasta dish that packs a punch? This Crack Chicken Penne is the answer! With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a touch of spice, it’s sure to become a dinner favorite. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something hearty and satisfying without a lot of fuss.
This recipe combines the richness of cream cheese and cheddar cheese with the bold flavors of ranch seasoning and crispy bacon. Yes, you heard it right – bacon! It’s a flavor explosion that will have your family begging for seconds.
Delightfully Creamy Crack Chicken Penne
This dish is a delightful combination of creamy textures and bold flavors. The Crack Chicken Penne features tender chicken cooked in a rich, cheesy sauce, ensuring every bite is satisfying.
With the penne pasta providing a perfect base, the dish comes alive with the addition of crispy bacon and ranch seasoning, delivering a mouthwatering experience. It’s a go-to choice for weeknight dinners when time is tight.
Ingredients That Make a Difference
The quality of ingredients plays a significant role in creating a memorable meal. Key components include cream cheese and cheddar cheese, which form the rich, velvety sauce that envelops the penne pasta.
Adding ranch seasoning gives the dish an extra punch, while crispy bacon contributes a satisfying crunch. Don’t forget the garnish of chopped green onions, which adds a fresh flavor and vibrant color to the plate.
Cooking Process Made Easy
Preparing Crack Chicken Penne is a straightforward process, perfect for those who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Start by cooking the penne until it’s just right, then set it aside.
Next, brown the diced chicken in a skillet. Once it’s cooked through, the creamy sauce comes together quickly by melting the cream cheese and cheddar with chicken broth and ranch seasoning. Finally, combine everything with the pasta and crumbled bacon for a harmonious blend of flavors.
Delightfully Creamy Crack Chicken Penne
This Crack Chicken Penne is a rich and creamy pasta dish featuring succulent chicken cooked in a cheesy, ranch-flavored sauce. The combination of penne pasta, chicken, and crispy bacon creates a delightful taste that’s hearty and indulgent.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the diced chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat and add the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine: Add the cooked penne pasta and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Toss until everything is well coated in the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 550kcal
- Fat: 28g
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
Serving Suggestions
The presentation of this dish can elevate the dining experience. Serving the Crack Chicken Penne in a rustic bowl enhances its comforting appeal, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
For an added touch, sprinkle some extra ranch seasoning on top before serving. This not only enhances the flavor but also visually appeals to the guests, making it a feast for the senses.
Nutritional Information
This dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but offers a fulfilling meal with significant nutritional value. Each serving provides a balanced mix of protein and carbohydrates, making it suitable for a hearty dinner.
With approximately 550 calories per serving, it’s a satisfying option that won’t leave you feeling deprived. The delicious combination of flavors and textures means that even picky eaters will find it hard to resist.
Why You’ll Love It
Creamy Crack Chicken Penne is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort and satisfaction. The creamy sauce wraps around each piece of pasta and chicken, delivering flavor with every forkful.
This dish is adaptable, allowing for variations based on personal preferences or what you have on hand. It’s bound to become a staple recipe that you’ll return to again and again, making mealtime a delight.