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Crack Chicken Penne

Creamy Crack Chicken Penne for Cozy Family Dinners

Delicious Crack Chicken Penne, a family-friendly one-pot dinner that's creamy and comforting.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Penne Pasta Swap with gluten-free pasta for a GF version.
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups Cooked Chicken Rotisserie chicken saves time.
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese Use reduced-fat for a lighter option.
  • 1 pkg Ranch Seasoning Mix Adjust to taste as it can be strong.
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Vegetable broth can keep it lighter.
For the Toppings
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Blend different cheeses for a fun twist.
  • 6 slices Cooked Bacon Try crumbled turkey bacon for a healthier choice.
  • 4 tbsp Chopped Green Onions Chives make a great substitute.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, ensuring not to rinse it, so the starch helps the sauce adhere later.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, and chicken broth. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the cooked chicken and crumbled bacon into the creamy sauce. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated with the sauce and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat each piece with the creamy chicken sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes on low heat to let the pasta absorb the flavors of the sauce.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the pasta mixture in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the cheese to melt for about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the skillet from the heat. Top your Crack Chicken Penne with the chopped green onions and serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use a non-stick skillet to avoid sticking and make cleanup easier. Adjust ranch seasoning to your taste and experiment with different cheeses.

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