Description
Creamy, cheesy crack chicken penne delivers pure comfort with its irresistible blend of tender pasta and zesty chicken. Hearty flavors meld together, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that will quickly become a family favorite for you.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Pasta:
- 1 pound (454 grams) penne pasta
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Cheese:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Seasonings and Extras:
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 3/4 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil penne pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and incorporate softened cream cheese with ranch seasoning, whisking until a smooth, velvety consistency develops.
- Stream chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, stirring consistently to create a luxurious, slightly thickened sauce.
- Fold shredded chicken, crispy bacon pieces, and cheddar cheese into the creamy mixture, ensuring even distribution and complete cheese melting.
- Introduce cooked penne to the skillet, gently tossing to ensure each pasta strand is lavishly coated with the rich, savory sauce.
- Sprinkle remaining bacon fragments and freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a vibrant, textural finish before serving hot.
Notes
- Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt to reduce calories and add protein, creating a lighter version of the dish.
- Opt for whole wheat penne to boost fiber content and make the recipe more nutritionally dense.
- Customize protein options by using rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for flexible meal preparation.
- Prepare sauce and chicken mixture ahead of time, storing separately in refrigerator for convenient weeknight meal assembly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg