Crack Chicken Penne
Ingredients
- 6 slices smoked bacon
), cut into ½-inch diced pieces (divided into ¼ cup and remainder
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
), cut into 1-inch cubes (approximately 1 pound
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ounce ranch seasoning
- 4 cups chicken stock
- ½ pound penne pasta
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 8 ounces Colby jack cheese
), shredded (divided into 1½ cups and ½ cup
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
divided in half
Directions
- 1
In a large 12-inch skillet, on medium heat, add the diced bacon and cook for 9-11 minutes or until the fat has been rendered and the bacon pieces are crispy. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve ¼ cup of the cooked bacon for garnish. Set aside all the bacon. Drain off all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease from the skillet.
- 2
On medium-high heat, add the cubed boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced yellow onion, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes or until lightly browned. The chicken may not be all the way cooked through. That is fine because the chicken will continue to cook with the pasta.
- 3
Once the chicken has been lightly browned and the onions are tender, add the ranch seasoning and chicken stock. Bring the chicken stock to a boil, then add the penne pasta. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with the lid, and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
- 4
Remove the lid from the skillet and stir in the cream cheese and cream of chicken soup until fully combined and no lumps remain.
- 5
Add 1½ cups of the shredded Colby jack cheese, the cooked bacon pieces (except for the reserved ¼ cup), and 1 tablespoon of the chopped fresh parsley. Stir to combine.
- 6
Top the crack chicken penne with the remaining ½ cup shredded Colby jack cheese (do not stir in) and cover the skillet again with the lid for 3-4 minutes or just until the cheese has melted on top.
- 7
Remove the lid and garnish the melted cheese with the reserved ¼ cup of bacon and the remaining 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley.
Crack Chicken Penne
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About this Recipe
Craving a comforting, flavor-packed pasta dish that comes together quickly? This Crack Chicken Penne is your answer, bringing together beloved flavors in one satisfying bowl that's rich, cheesy, and utterly irresistible.
What makes this dish so special is the symphony of textures and flavors: tender chicken and smoky bacon mingling with a creamy, cheesy sauce infused with classic ranch seasoning. It's designed to deliver maximum comfort with minimal fuss, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend meal.
From the first bite, you can expect a truly indulgent experience from this Crack Chicken Penne. Each forkful boasts a delightful creaminess from the melted cream cheese and cream of chicken soup, coating the penne pasta and creating a rich foundation. The savory chicken and smoky bacon pieces provide a wonderful contrast, all brightened by a hint of fresh parsley. It's a hearty, satisfying meal that wraps you in a warm hug.
This Crack Chicken Penne is wonderfully versatile. If you don't have penne pasta on hand, other short, tubular pasta shapes like ziti or rigatoni would work well. For a different twist on the cheese, you could use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack instead of just Colby Jack. Don't have ranch seasoning? A homemade mix of dried dill, parsley, onion powder, and garlic powder can be a good substitute.
This hearty penne dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Serve it warm, perhaps alongside a simple green salad to balance the richness.