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Crack Chicken Penne

Irresistible Crack Chicken Penne for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

This creamy Crack Chicken Penne marries tender chicken with crispy bacon and cheesy ranch sauce for a quick, comforting meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Penne Pasta can be swapped with gluten-free pasta
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups Cooked Chicken, shredded use rotisserie chicken for quick prep
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese low-fat can be used for a lighter version
  • 1 packet Ranch Seasoning Mix adjust to taste
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth use low-sodium to control saltiness
For the Toppings
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese can use favorite cheese blend
  • 1/2 cup Cooked Bacon, crumbled can substitute with turkey bacon
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Green Onions can substitute with chopped parsley

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • large skillet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crack Chicken Penne
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and chicken broth. Stir vigorously for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is smooth and bubbling subtly.
  3. Once the sauce is smooth, add the shredded chicken and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Stir well for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  4. Next, add the cooked penne to the skillet and gently fold it into the chicken and sauce mixture. Stir continuously for about 2-3 minutes until all the pasta is coated.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the pasta mixture, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet for about 3-5 minutes.
  6. After the cheese has melted, remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For the best taste, store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy them within three days. Reheat slowly to maintain creaminess.

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