Description
Crack Chicken Penne is the ultimate creamy, cheesy comfort food. With smoky bacon, tender chicken, and a rich, velvety sauce, this dish will quickly become a weeknight favorite. It’s simple to make and perfect for family dinners or any occasion that calls for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 slices smoked bacon
- 2 chicken breasts
- ½ cup yellow onion, finely diced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 oz Ranch seasoning
- 4 cups chicken stock
- ½ lb penne pasta
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 8 oz Colby jack cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked bacon slices until crispy. Remove from the skillet and crumble. Set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: In the same skillet, cook the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove and shred the chicken using two forks.
- Sauté the Onion: In the same skillet, add the diced yellow onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Season and Combine: Add the salt, black pepper, and Ranch seasoning to the onions. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the penne pasta to the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the stock.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Once the pasta is cooked, lower the heat and add the cream cheese and cream of chicken soup. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the Cheese and Bacon: Stir in the shredded Colby jack cheese until fully melted. Add the crumbled bacon and shredded chicken to the skillet, mixing everything together.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your Crack Chicken Penne—a creamy, cheesy masterpiece perfect for any dinner table!
Notes
- For an extra creamy texture, you can use full-fat cream cheese.
- Feel free to swap the penne pasta for any pasta shape of your choice.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Crack chicken penne, creamy chicken pasta, cheesy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, comfort food