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–+ servings
Crack Chicken Penne

Creamy Crack Chicken Penne: A Family Comfort Food Delight

Creamy Crack Chicken Penne is a comforting dish that combines tender pasta, creamy cheese, chicken, and crispy bacon, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 lb Penne Pasta Feel free to swap with your favorite pasta shape.
For the Chicken and Sauce
  • 2 cups Cooked Chicken, Shredded Using leftover rotisserie chicken saves time!
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese Consider reduced-fat for a lighter version.
  • 1 packet Ranch Seasoning Mix Adjust seasoning to taste, or use homemade.
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Vegetable broth makes it vegetarian-friendly.
For the Creamy Topping
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Mix with cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for variety.
  • 4 slices Cooked Bacon, Crumbled Turkey bacon is a lighter alternative if desired.
For the Finishing Touch
  • 2 stalks Chopped Green Onions Chives can be a suitable substitute if preferred.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Colander
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crack Chicken Penne
  1. Begin by boiling a pot of salted water over high heat. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat a medium flame and add the cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, and chicken broth. Stir continuously for about 3-5 minutes, until smooth.
  3. Fold in the shredded cooked chicken and crumbled bacon into the creamy sauce. Let simmer for about 2-3 minutes on medium heat.
  4. Carefully fold in the cooked penne pasta until every piece is coated with the creamy sauce, about 2 minutes.
  5. Sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar cheese, cover the skillet, and reduce heat to low. Allow the cheese to melt over the top for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and serve immediately while warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is softened for a smooth sauce. Stir well to coat pasta and adjust seasoning to taste.

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