Description
Creamy, zesty crack chicken penne delivers explosive flavor in one skillet, combining tender pasta with rich, cheesy goodness. Home cooks will discover a quick, irresistible meal that satisfies comfort food cravings with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
Pasta and Seasonings:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes at a rolling boil, then thoroughly drain and reserve.
- Heat a large skillet over medium temperature, gently melt butter and sauté minced garlic until aromatic and lightly golden.
- Whisk chicken broth, heavy cream, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, freshly ground black pepper, and paprika into the skillet, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform sauce.
- Fold tender shredded chicken and cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring every pasta piece gets evenly coated with the rich mixture.
- Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese and crispy crumbled bacon, stirring until the cheese melts completely and integrates seamlessly with the other ingredients.
- Transfer the skillet off the heat, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions across the top for a vibrant finish, and serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked chicken for the best flavor and texture, avoiding pre-packaged or leftover chicken.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version of the dish.
- Toast bacon separately and sprinkle on top just before serving to maintain its crispy texture and prevent sogginess.
- Create a gluten-free option by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring ranch seasoning is certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg