Crack Chicken Penne – This creamy hearty crack Chicken Pasta made with chicken, bacon, cheese, and pasta is sure to please a crowd in less than 30 minutes.
Crack Chicken Penne – A Creamy, Comforting Craze
Craving a dish that’s both indulgent and effortlessly satisfying? Look no further than crack chicken penne. This creamy, cheesy pasta dish is packed with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover why this dish has become a viral sensation.
Recipe Variations
Spicy crack chicken: Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
Buffalo chicken penne: Use buffalo sauce instead of ranch dressing for a spicy kick.
Mediterranean twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
Low-carb option: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice as a pasta substitute.
Crack Chicken Penne – Tips & Tricks
Chicken preparation: For extra flavor, marinate chicken in Italian dressing before cooking.
Creamy sauce: For a thicker sauce, use heavy cream instead of milk.
Bacon choice: Use thick-cut bacon for extra crispy bits.
Customization: Add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli or spinach, for a healthier twist.
Meal prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Cook a large batch and store leftovers for quick and easy meals.
How To Serve This Crack Chicken Penne ?
Classic Comfort: Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
Hearty Meal: Pair with a side salad or steamed broccoli for a balanced meal.
Weeknight Wonder: Serve as a standalone dish for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Family Style: Present it in a large bowl for a family-style meal, encouraging everyone to serve themselves.
Leftover Magic: Use leftovers as a filling for sandwiches or wraps for a convenient lunch.
How To Store This Crack Chicken Penne ?
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to maintain the creamy texture.
Freezing: For longer storage, portion the leftover crack chicken penne into freezer-safe containers. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of pasta, such as rotini or fusilli.
What can I substitute for ranch dressing?
You can use a homemade ranch dressing or another type of dressing, such as Caesar or Italian.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and assemble the dish just before serving.
Crack Chicken Penne (Creamy)
Crack Chicken Penne - This creamy hearty crack Chicken Pasta made with chicken, bacon, cheese, and pasta is sure to please a crowd in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
- 3 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese (I use Philadelphia)
- 1 oz ranch seasoning (1 packet or 2 tbsp)
- 8 oz uncooked penne (or your favorite pasta)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and chop into bits, draining most of the bacon fat but leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot.
- In the same pot, sauté the chicken pieces in the remaining bacon fat for about 3 minutes until they start to brown (they’ll still be slightly pink inside). Stir in the ranch seasoning to coat the chicken evenly.
- Add the uncooked penne and chicken broth to the pot. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the pasta is cooked al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the cream cheese until it melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the bacon bits and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until everything is well combined.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar on top, cover, and cook for about 30 seconds until the cheese melts.
- Alternatively, pop the pot under the broiler for 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Top with chopped parsley and serve hot!
Instant Pot Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Cook the bacon, then remove and drain most of the fat. Brown the chicken for 3 minutes, add the ranch seasoning, and stir.
- Add penne and 2-2 ½ cups of broth. Close the lid, set the Instant Pot to the "Poultry" setting, and cook for 5 minutes.
- After the cooking cycle, allow a 10-minute natural release. Stir in cream cheese, bacon bits, and cheddar cheese. Serve hot!
Slow Cooker Instructions
- Fry the bacon as in step 1 above, then add the browned chicken, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and 2-2 ½ cups of broth to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. Add the penne 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time.
- Stir in bacon and cheddar cheese, then serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 476Total Fat: 26gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 129mgSodium: 904mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 42g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
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