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–+ servings

Crack Chicken Penne

A comforting, one-pot meal featuring penne pasta, chicken, cream cheese, and smoky turkey bacon, perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Comfort Food
Servings 4 servings
Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pasta

  • 8 ounces penne pasta Penne’s ridges catch the sauce beautifully. Substitute with rigatoni or ziti if needed.

Chicken

  • 1 pound chicken breast, diced Lean and versatile; freeze portions for convenience.

Turkey Bacon

  • 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled Provides a smoky flavor without changing dietary restrictions.

Creamy Sauce

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened Creates a creamy, clingy sauce without needing heavy cream.
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix Convenience seasoning for flavor.
  • 1 cup chicken broth Use low-sodium if adjusting salt.

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Sharp cheddar recommended for best melting.

Garnish

  • to taste chopped green onions Adds a fresh finish.

Seasoning

  • to taste salt and pepper Adjust as necessary after adding bacon and ranch.

Instructions
 

Cooking Pasta

  • Boil salted water in a large pot. Add penne and cook until slightly firm, drain, and reserve one cup of pasta water.

Cooking Chicken

  • In the same pot, heat oil over medium heat and add diced chicken. Brown without crowding, lightly season with pepper.

Adding Bacon

  • Stir in cooked turkey bacon, ensuring the pieces achieve a crisp texture.

Making the Sauce

  • Reduce heat to low, add cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and chicken broth. Stir until smooth.

Combining Ingredients

  • Add the drained penne to the pot and gently combine until coated.

Finishing Touches

  • Sprinkle cheddar over the dish and cover until melted, stirring once melted. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

Notes

Let cream cheese warm to soften before use. Reserve pasta water for thick sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat with added moisture to prevent drying.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 14gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g
Keyword Crack Chicken Penne, Easy Chicken Pasta, family-friendly, One-Pot Meal, Quick Dinner
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