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Crack Chicken Penne

Irresistible Crack Chicken Penne for Ultimate Comfort Tonight

Enjoy a delightful Crack Chicken Penne that’s rich in flavor and quick to prepare, perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Penne Pasta gluten-free optional
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups Shredded Cooked Chicken rotisserie chicken recommended
  • 1 packet Ranch Seasoning Mix homemade mix optional
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese softened
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese freshly grated
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream light cream optional
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth low-sodium preferred
For the Sauté
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil butter is an alternative
  • 1 medium Onion (Diced) shallots optional
  • 3 cloves Garlic (Minced) fresh garlic preferred
For the Toppings
  • 4 slices Bacon turkey bacon optional
  • 2 tablespoons Parsley (Chopped) for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • colander

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crack Chicken Penne
  1. Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water over high heat. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are translucent and fragrant.
  3. Lower the heat and add softened cream cheese and ranch seasoning mix to the skillet. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until melted and smooth.
  4. Gradually pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, mixing well. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens and clings to the spoon.
  5. Add shredded chicken, half of the crispy bacon, and grated cheddar cheese. Stir for 2-4 minutes until the cheese melts and the chicken is heated through.
  6. Fold in the cooked penne pasta, ensuring it is well-coated. Stir gently for 2-3 minutes and add reserved pasta water if needed.
  7. Plate the Crack Chicken Penne, topping with remaining crispy bacon and chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for best flavor. Adjust pasta cooking time for al dente texture. Reserve pasta water for sauce consistency.

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