Description
Delightful crack chicken penne combines creamy, cheesy goodness with tender pasta in a quick weeknight meal. Savory ingredients and simple preparation make this dish a crowd-pleasing favorite you’ll want to serve again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (100 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup (50 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- 8 oz (225 g) penne pasta, uncooked
- 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet (1 oz/28 g) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Protein Preparation: Sear seasoned chicken pieces in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden-brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Liquid Base Formation: Combine chicken broth, milk, and aromatic powders in the same skillet. Add uncooked penne pasta, bringing to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered until pasta becomes tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Sauce Development: Integrate cream cheese into the pasta, stirring until completely melted and creating a smooth, velvety consistency. Return cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Cheese Integration: Melt cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the mixture, generating a decadent, creamy coating that envelops pasta and chicken.
- Final Enhancement: Sprinkle crumbled bacon throughout the dish, then garnish with fresh parsley or green onions. This adds a salty, crunchy texture and bright herbal note. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, creamy composition.
Notes
- Sear Chicken Perfectly: Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the skillet to achieve a golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and flavor.
- Manage Pasta Liquid Ratio: Add broth and milk gradually, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking without making the dish too dry or soupy.
- Melt Cheese Smoothly: Remove skillet from direct heat when adding cream cheese and shredded cheeses to prevent burning and create a silky, uniform sauce.
- Balance Bacon’s Saltiness: Crumble bacon finely and add sparingly to control salt intensity, especially if using pre-salted bacon varieties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg