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+ servings
Crack Chicken Penne

Creamy Crack Chicken Penne for a Cozy Family Dinner

A delightful creamy dish featuring penne pasta, tender chicken, and crispy bacon, perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Penne Pasta feel free to swap with another pasta shape
For the Chicken & Sauce
  • 2 cups Cooked Shredded Chicken use rotisserie chicken for quick option
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese opt for low-fat if desired
  • 1 packet Ranch Seasoning Mix adjust to taste
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth vegetable broth can be used for vegetarian version
For the Cheesy Finish
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese experiment with different cheeses
For the Crunch
  • 4 strips Cooked Bacon turkey bacon is a lighter alternative
For Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped Green Onions chives can be an alternative

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crack Chicken Penne
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, combine cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, and chicken broth. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the mixture is smooth and creamy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Fold in the cooked shredded chicken and crumbled cooked bacon into your creamy sauce. Stir thoroughly and heat for another 2-3 minutes.
  4. Gently add the drained penne pasta into the skillet, stirring well to coat it evenly with the creamy mixture. Cook for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with freshly chopped green onions. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 28gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Adjust ranch seasoning to enhance flavors without overpowering. Cook penne until al dente to prevent mushiness. Add more chicken broth if sauce is too thick.

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