Crack Chicken Penne – Page 2

Directions for Crack Chicken Penne

Boil the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later in case you need to thin the sauce.

Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the diced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Crisp the Bacon: In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Once done, crumble it into smaller pieces and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce: To the same skillet, add the cream cheese and ranch seasoning. Stir until the cream cheese begins to melt and combine with the seasoning, creating a smooth base.
Add Broth and Cheese: Slowly pour in the chicken broth (or heavy cream for a richer sauce) and stir to combine. Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese and continue stirring until the cheeses melt into the sauce.
Adjust Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more broth or pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet, stirring gently to coat the pasta with the creamy sauce. Stir in the crumbled bacon and continue mixing until everything is well combined.
Simmer: Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for 3-4 minutes to ensure the flavors meld together.

Taste and Adjust: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if necessary. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, or extra ranch seasoning for a more robust flavor.
Garnish: Serve the Crack Chicken Penne in bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or extra cheese for a finishing touch.

Chicken Variations: You can substitute the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier result. If you’re looking to save time, rotisserie chicken works as a quick alternative.
Cheese Options: For an extra creamy dish, add a bit more cream cheese or swap in some Parmesan for an extra cheesy flavor. You can also experiment with different cheeses, like pepper jack, for a spicy kick.
Bacon Tips: Crispy bacon adds crunch and flavor, but you can also use turkey bacon or even pancetta for a different twist. If you want to make it vegetarian, simply skip the bacon and add some sautéed mushrooms instead.
Make it Spicy: Add a bit of heat by tossing in some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for an added kick.

If you happen to have any Crack Chicken Penne leftover, don’t worry—this dish holds up well for later meals.

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to blend.
Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze the Crack Chicken Penne. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Reheat the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen up the sauce. Stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly.
You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for the best results.