Description
Crack Chicken Penne is a quick dinner idea that combines juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch-seasoned sauce all swirled around tender penne pasta. It’s the ultimate comfort meal for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or meal prepping. Whether you’re looking for easy pasta dinners or hearty food ideas, this one-skillet wonder is packed with flavor and ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
6 slices bacon
4 oz cream cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 cloves garlic minced
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, then remove and set aside.
2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then sear in the bacon fat until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds, then stir in cream cheese until melted.
4. Pour in heavy cream and whisk until smooth. Add ranch seasoning and shredded cheddar, stirring until combined.
5. Add cooked penne pasta, seared chicken, and most of the bacon to the sauce. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
6. Top with remaining bacon and chopped parsley. Serve hot from the skillet.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheddar for better melting and flavor.
Let cream cheese soften before cooking to avoid lumps in the sauce.
Don’t overcook pasta — keep it al dente so it holds its texture in the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: crack chicken penne, creamy chicken pasta, easy dinner, one skillet recipe, pasta comfort food