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–+ servings
Crack Chicken Penne

Delicious Crack Chicken Penne That's Crazy Easy to Make

This Crack Chicken Penne recipe combines creamy, cheesy goodness with crispy bacon and tender chicken for a quick, satisfying dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: High Protein Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 620
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz uncooked penne pasta
For the Chicken
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2-3 cups chicken broth enough to cook the pasta
For the Flavor
  • 4-6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • ½ onion diced onion optional
  • 2 cloves garlic minced and optional
For the Cheesy Goodness
  • 1-1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
For the Finish
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste
  • fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • skillet
  • colander
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crack Chicken Penne
  1. Boil a pot of salted water, add penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté bacon in a pot over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon and leave some fat in the pot.
  3. Add chicken to the pot, cook until golden. If using, add onion and garlic. Cook until chicken is no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
  4. Sprinkle ranch seasoning over chicken and add chicken broth. Simmer for about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Stir in the softened cream cheese until melted and creamy, about 3 minutes.
  6. Add cooked penne and cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and well combined. Cook for about 2 minutes.
  7. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with crumbled bacon and parsley. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 620kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 34gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 980mgPotassium: 750mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add broth for creaminess if desired.

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