Description
Crack Chicken Penne is an irresistibly creamy, cheesy pasta dish packed with flavor! With a rich sauce made from cream cheese, ranch seasoning, bacon, and chicken, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. It’s easy to make and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. Prepare for this dish to be a huge hit on the dinner table!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 ounce)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon (crumbled)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup milk (more if needed for desired consistency)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and heat for about 2-3 minutes.
- Lower the heat, and add the cream cheese, ranch dressing, and ranch seasoning packet. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and crumbled bacon. Continue to cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the creamy sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding sautéed onions or garlic to the sauce.
- You can substitute turkey bacon or leave out the bacon for a lighter version of this dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg