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Crack Chicken Penne

Creamy Crack Chicken Penne: Your New Weeknight Comfort Dish

This Creamy Crack Chicken Penne is a comforting dish that combines flavors of ranch, cheese, and crispy bacon, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Penne Pasta Can substitute with gluten-free pasta.
For the Sauce
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese For a lighter version, opt for reduced-fat cream cheese.
  • 1 tbsp Ranch Seasoning Mix Adjust amount to taste.
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Vegetable broth can be a vegetarian option.
For the Protein
  • 2 cups Cooked Chicken (shredded) Use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • 6 slices Crumbled Bacon Turkey bacon can be used as a lower-fat alternative.
For Toppings
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Swap for pepper jack for an extra kick.
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Green Onions Can substitute with chives.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • skillet
  • colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 11-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, combine cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, and chicken broth over medium heat. Stir continuously until smooth and creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add the shredded cooked chicken and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Gently fold together until well coated, and let simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet, gently tossing to coat with the sauce.
  5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mixture, cover with a lid, and cook on low for about 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts.
  6. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 1200mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For added nutrition, fold in a handful of fresh spinach just before serving, and consider undercooking the penne by 1-2 minutes for better texture.

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