Crack Chicken Penne
Introduction
Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy and flavorful pasta dish that brings comfort to your kitchen. With rich chicken, crispy bacon, and a cheesy sauce, it’s a meal your family will love. Perfect for any day of the week, this recipe is simple enough for busy nights but tasty enough for weekends.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make Crack Chicken Penne because it’s easy, delicious, and satisfying! The mix of flavors from the Ranch seasoning and smoky bacon creates a dish that everyone will rave about. It’s a great way to bring the family together for dinner. Plus, it only takes one pot, so clean-up is a breeze!
How to Make Crack Chicken Penne
Making Crack Chicken Penne is straightforward. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time.
Ingredients:
- 6 slices smoked bacon
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 oz Ranch seasoning
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 lb penne pasta
- 6 oz cream cheese
- 10.5 oz cream chicken soup
- 8 oz Colby jack cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
Directions:
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy, then remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add chicken breasts, salt, pepper, and ranch seasoning, cooking until the chicken is browned.
- Pour in chicken stock and bring to a boil.
- Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Stir in cream cheese, cream chicken soup, and Colby jack cheese until melted and creamy.
- Crumble the bacon over the pasta mixture and mix well.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
How to Serve Crack Chicken Penne
Serve Crack Chicken Penne warm in big bowls. You can top it with extra cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a beautiful finish. Pair it with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!
How to Store Crack Chicken Penne
To store leftover Crack Chicken Penne, let it cool down, then place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a little extra chicken stock to keep it saucy.
Tips to Make Crack Chicken Penne
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- For extra flavor, add some minced garlic when cooking the onions.
- Feel free to swap out the Colby jack cheese for your favorite cheese type.
Variation
You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers if you want to include more veggies. Just sauté them with the onions for a healthier twist on this dish.
FAQs
1. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes! Turkey bacon works great and will still give you that smoky flavor.
2. What can I use if I don’t have Ranch seasoning?
You can mix a bit of dried herbs like dill, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a homemade seasoning.
3. Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
You can replace chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your Crack Chicken Penne! Happy cooking!