Creamy Crack Chicken Penne
A cozy, creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a flavorful ranch seasoning that brings comfort to every gathering.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Paleo
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
- Cook the bacon: In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Sauté the chicken: In the same skillet, add chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Season with salt and pepper.
- Shred the chicken: Once cool, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the creamy sauce: In the skillet, add ranch seasoning and chicken broth. Simmer, then whisk in cream cheese until smooth.
- Combine everything: Toss in shredded chicken, cooked penne, and half of the cheddar cheese until well-coated.
- Add the finishing touches: Fold in crumbled bacon and remaining cheddar cheese, adjusting with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Garnish and serve: Top with fresh parsley and serve in bowls.
Notes
Feel free to customize with different veggies or cheeses. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, chicken penne, weeknight dinner, comfort food