Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a ranch-seasoned sauce. It's a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving comfort food.
1poundboneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1tablespoonolive oil
1packetranch seasoning mix
to tastesalt
to tasteblack pepper
4slicesbacon, cooked and crumbled
3cupschicken broth
1cupmilk
8ouncespenne pasta (uncooked)
4ouncescream cheese, softened
1cupshredded cheddar cheese
1/2cupshredded mozzarella cheese
1teaspoongarlic powder
1/2teaspoononion powder
1/4teaspooncrushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
as desiredfresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken pieces with ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir in the uncooked penne pasta.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the cream cheese until melted and smooth.
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, along with the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy.
Stir in the crumbled bacon, reserving a small amount for garnish if desired.
Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and serve hot.