Crack Chicken Penne
Dive into the comforting embrace of Crack Chicken Penne—a symphonic fusion of thick-cut bacon, succulent chicken, and silken cheeses. Each forkful promises a burst of flavors—tangy ranch seasoning harmonizing with the creamy richness of Philadelphia cream cheese and the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of cheddar. Set against the backdrop of perfectly al dente penne, this dish isn't just food; it's an experience—one that beckons with warmth and familiarity, making every bite an ode to true American comfort.
6 Servings
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 oz ranch seasoning 1 packet or 2 tbsp
- 8 oz uncooked penne or pasta of choice
- 3½ c low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese Philadelphia recommended
- 2 c shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- In a pot cook the bacon until it turns crispy. Set the bacon aside. Chop it into pieces. Keep around 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pot.
- Next, add the chicken pieces to the pot. Cook them until they start to turn brown. Sprinkle some ranch seasoning over the chicken and mix it well.
- Now pour, in the penne pasta and chicken broth. Bring it to a boil then reduce the heat and let it simmer with a lid on until the pasta is cooked al dente. Remember to stir to prevent sticking.
- Once that's done add in cream cheese and mix until it becomes smooth. Then return the chopped bacon to the pot. Add 1½ cups of cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until all of the cheese has melted.
- To finish off sprinkle some cheddar cheese on top. You can cover it for 30 seconds until the cheese melts or put it under broil in your oven to get a nice golden brown color on top. Finally garnish with parsley, before serving this dish! Enjoy!
Notes
If you're craving a comforting dish, like Crack Chicken Penne but need to avoid gluten don't worry! You can easily substitute the penne pasta with a gluten-free alternative that you can find at most stores. These alternatives are made from ingredients like rice, quinoa or chickpeas which not only provide a texture but also cater to your dietary needs. Remember to check the ranch seasoning packet you use as some may contain gluten or could have been processed in facilities that handle gluten products. To be, on the safe side choose a seasoning packet that is certified gluten-free. With these adjustments you can enjoy every bite of Crack Chicken Penne without any concerns!