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Crack Chicken Penne

Creamy Crack Chicken Penne: Quick Comfort Food Bliss

Creamy Crack Chicken Penne is an easy, comfort food recipe with shredded chicken, bacon, and ranch sauce that the whole family will love.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 670

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Penne Pasta Substitute with gluten-free penne if needed
For the Chicken and Sauce
  • 2 cups Shredded Cooked Chicken Use rotisserie chicken for convenience
  • 1 packet Ranch Seasoning Mix Homemade blend possible
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese Ensure it's softened
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese Grate fresh for best results
  • 6 strips Bacon Use turkey bacon for a lighter option
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Low-sodium recommended
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Can substitute with half-and-half
For Sautéing
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Or use butter for more flavor
  • 1 medium Onion (diced) Yellow or sweet onions work well
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced) Fresh is best
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
For Garnishing
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (for garnish) Chives can be a substitute

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • Colander

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and reserve half a cup of pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once shimmering, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent.
  3. Reduce heat to low, add cream cheese and ranch seasoning mix. Stir until cream cheese is melted and mixed, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Gradually pour in chicken broth and heavy cream while stirring. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Stir in shredded cooked chicken, half of the bacon, and grated cheddar cheese until well combined and cheese melts, around 3-4 minutes.
  6. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing until well coated with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water if the mixture is too thick.
  7. Plate the creamy Crack Chicken Penne, garnish with remaining bacon and parsley. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 670kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 34gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 20gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 91mgSodium: 860mgPotassium: 749mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 380mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Consider adding spinach or peas for extra nutrition. Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

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