Introduction
Crack Chicken Penne is a hearty pasta dish that combines the rich flavors of chicken, cheese, and bacon with the smooth, creamy texture of penne pasta. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick, delicious meal that can be made on a busy weeknight. It’s also great for gatherings and will surely impress your guests with its indulgent and comforting flavors.
Ingredients
To prepare Delicious Crack Chicken Penne, you will need:
- Penne pasta: 1 lb (about 450 grams), which serves as the base of the dish.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, used for cooking the chicken.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 1 lb (450 grams), diced, providing the protein component.
- Ranch seasoning mix: 1 packet (1 oz or 28 grams), which flavors the chicken.
- Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon, adds a mild garlic flavor.
- Onion powder: 1/2 teaspoon, complements the garlic.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
- Chicken broth: 1 cup, which helps to create the sauce.
- Heavy cream: 1 cup, adds creaminess to the sauce.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup, for a cheesy flavor.
- Cream cheese: 4 oz (about 113 grams), softened, thickens and enriches the sauce.
- Bacon: 6 slices, cooked and crumbled, offers a smoky crunch.
- Green onions: 2, chopped, used for garnish, adding a fresh contrast.
Directions and Preparation Method
Follow these steps to create your Crack Chicken Penne:
- Pasta Preparation:
- Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cooking the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken to the skillet, seasoning it with the ranch mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook the chicken until it is thoroughly browned and cooked through, ensuring it’s safe to eat.
- Making the Sauce:
- Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese to the skillet. Cook this mixture, stirring continuously, until the cheeses have melted completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combining Ingredients:
- Add the drained penne pasta to your skillet, tossing everything together to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Stir in the crumbled bacon pieces to mix them evenly throughout the dish.
- Garnishing:
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your dish with chopped green onions, adding a touch of color and freshness to the rich and creamy pasta.
Conclusion
Delicious Crack Chicken Penne is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in the form of food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavors that dance around the palate, highlighted by the smoky undertones of bacon and the freshness of green onions. This dish is incredibly versatile, perfect for a family dinner, a friendly gathering, or a cozy meal for one. Its preparation is straightforward but the result is anything but simple. Dive into this culinary adventure and enjoy a plate of creamy, dreamy Crack Chicken Penne tonight!