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Creamy Crack Chicken Penne

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This Creamy Crack Chicken Penne is a rich, indulgent, and ultra-creamy pasta dish loaded with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning. It’s an easy, one-pot meal that’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Creamy & Cheesy – Packed with cream cheese, cheddar, and ranch flavors.
✔️ One-Pan Meal – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor!
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
✔️ Family Favorite – A crowd-pleaser that kids and adults love!

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta)
  • 4 cups water or chicken broth (for cooking the pasta)
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Crack Chicken Sauce:

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter version)
  • ½ cup chicken broth (to loosen the sauce)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

For Garnish:

  • ¼ cup green onions, chopped
  • Extra shredded cheddar cheese
  • Extra bacon bits

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of water or chicken broth to a boil.
  2. Add penne pasta and salt, then cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Crack Chicken Sauce

  1. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  3. Stir in ranch seasoning, cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Cook until smooth and creamy, stirring frequently.

Step 3: Add the Chicken, Bacon & Cheese

  1. Stir in the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  2. Mix until the cheese is melted and everything is combined.

Step 4: Combine & Serve

  1. Add the cooked pasta back into the pot and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
  2. Garnish with green onions, extra cheddar, and bacon bits.
  3. Serve immediately and enjoy this cheesy, creamy crack chicken penne!

Serving Suggestions

🥗 Pair with a fresh side salad for balance.
🥖 Serve with garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
🌶️ Make it spicy by adding extra red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

Storage & Meal Prep

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
  • Freeze: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate when reheated.

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken makes this dish even faster—just shred and mix it in.

2. Can I make this low-carb?

Absolutely! Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or cauliflower rice.

3. Can I use a different cheese?

Yes! Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Pepper Jack for extra flavor.

4. What’s the best way to make it extra creamy?

Use heavy cream instead of milk and add extra cream cheese for a richer sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Crack Chicken Penne is the ultimate cheesy, savory, and indulgent pasta dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds! It’s easy, quick, and packed with irresistible flavors.

🥓🧀🍗 Tried this recipe? Let me know how it turned out! 😊