This creamy and flavorful Crack Chicken Penne recipe is a hearty one-skillet meal that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and penne pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with savory flavors. The combination of ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and Colby jack cheese creates a deliciously creamy base, while the crispy bacon adds a satisfying crunch. Follow the steps below to create this crowd-pleasing dish!
Ingredients
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6 slices smoked bacon, cut into ½-inch diced pieces (divided into ¼ cup for garnish and the remainder for cooking)
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 pound), cut into 1-inch cubes
½ cup chopped yellow onion
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 ounce packet of Ranch seasoning
4 cups chicken stock
½ pound penne pasta
6 ounces cream cheese
10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
8 ounce block of Colby jack cheese, shredded (divided into 1½ cups and ½ cup)
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley, divided
Instructions
Cook the Bacon:
In a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat, add the diced bacon. Cook for 9-11 minutes or until the fat has rendered and the bacon is crispy. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve ¼ cup of the cooked bacon for garnish and set aside the rest. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease from the skillet.
Cook the Chicken and Onions:
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the cubed chicken breasts, chopped yellow onion, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes or until the chicken is lightly browned. Note: The chicken may not be fully cooked at this stage, as it will continue to cook with the pasta later.
Add Ranch Seasoning and Pasta:
Once the chicken is lightly browned and the onions are tender, add the Ranch seasoning and chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the penne pasta. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
Incorporate Cream Cheese and Soup:
Remove the lid and stir in the cream cheese and cream of chicken soup until fully combined and no lumps remain.
Add Cheese, Bacon, and Parsley:
Stir in 1½ cups of the shredded Colby jack cheese, the cooked bacon pieces (except for the reserved ¼ cup), and 1 tablespoon of the chopped fresh parsley. Mix until everything is well combined.
Melt the Remaining Cheese:
Top the dish with the remaining ½ cup of shredded Colby jack cheese (do not stir) and cover the skillet again with the lid. Let it sit for 3-4 minutes or until the cheese on top has melted.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove the lid and garnish the melted cheese with the reserved ¼ cup of bacon and the remaining 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
Note
For a lighter version, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat Colby jack cheese.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when stirring in the cream cheese and soup.
This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Enjoy this comforting and indulgent Crack Chicken Penne!
