Description
Creamy comfort meets zesty flavor in this crack chicken penne, blending tender pasta with rich, cheesy chicken goodness. Hearty ingredients dance together, promising a mouthwatering meal that will satisfy your deepest dinner cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (1 lb) penne pasta
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
Protein and Flavor Enhancers:
- 3/4 cup bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare penne pasta according to package guidelines, ensuring al dente texture, then drain and reserve.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, introducing diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Lower heat to low, incorporating cream cheese and ranch seasoning, stirring until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
- Slowly introduce chicken broth and heavy cream, continuously whisking to create a smooth, integrated sauce without lumps.
- Fold in shredded chicken, crispy bacon pieces (reserving half for garnish), and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until cheese melts completely and ingredients blend harmoniously.
- Gently fold cooked penne into the creamy chicken mixture, ensuring each pasta strand is evenly coated with the luxurious sauce.
- Plate the dish, elegantly sprinkling remaining bacon fragments and freshly chopped parsley on top for a vibrant, appetizing presentation.
- Approximately 35 minutes total preparation and cooking time, yielding 6 hearty servings with rich, comforting flavors.
Notes
- Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt to reduce fat and add protein, creating a lighter yet still creamy texture.
- Customize the heat level by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring ranch seasoning mix is certified gluten-free.
- Meal prep friendly: store in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently with a splash of chicken broth to maintain sauce consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 590 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg