Crack Chicken Penne Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy One-Pot Comfort Dinner
This Crack Chicken Penne recipe brings together juicy chicken, crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, and melty cheese in one creamy one-pot meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
4 slices thick-cut bacon
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
1 ounce ranch seasoning (1 packet or 2 tbsp)
8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
3½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
4 ounces cream cheese
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Cook bacon until crispy, remove and chop into bits.
2. Add chicken to pot, cook 3 minutes until lightly browned.
3. Stir in ranch seasoning and coat chicken.
4. Add uncooked penne and chicken broth. Bring to boil.
5. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add cream cheese and stir until smooth.
7. Return bacon and add 1½ cups of cheddar cheese. Stir to combine.
8. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top, cover 30 seconds, then turn off heat.
9. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Add a splash of extra broth if pasta looks dry.
For a veggie boost, stir in spinach at the end.
Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or smoked gouda for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Find it online: https://proteinmealsdaily.com/crack-chicken-penne-recipe/