Description
Unlock unparalleled comfort with our Crack Chicken Pasta! Juicy chicken, crisp turkey beef bacon, and penne enveloped in a velvety ranch-cream cheese sauce.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1.5 lbs, diced
- Penne pasta, 12 oz
- Cream cheese, 8 oz block, softened
- Dry Ranch seasoning mix, 1 oz packet
- Turkey Bacon, 6 slices
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup
- Chicken broth, 2 cups
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the beef bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the beef bacon, crumble it, and set aside. Drain most of the beef bacon grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot. Add the diced chicken to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: Add the chicken broth, softened cream cheese, and dry Ranch seasoning mix to the pot. Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly until the cream cheese is fully melted and a smooth, creamy sauce forms.
- Step 3: While the sauce is preparing, cook the penne pasta according to package directions in a separate pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Step 4: Stir the cooked chicken and 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the creamy sauce. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
- Step 5: Add the cooked and drained pasta along with most of the crumbled beef bacon to the pot with the sauce and chicken. Toss gently until everything is well combined and the pasta is thoroughly coated. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining crumbled beef bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.
Notes
- Keep any remaining pasta fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; it makes for a delightful lunch too!
- To revive that creamy goodness, gently reheat individual portions on the stovetop or in the microwave with a tiny splash of chicken broth or milk to prevent drying.
- This hearty pasta pairs beautifully with a bright, crisp side salad or some lightly steamed broccoli to balance the rich, comforting flavors.
- For the smoothest, most delectable sauce, always ensure your cream cheese is fully softened before whisking it into the warm broth, preventing any lumps and ensuring a truly creamy result.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx 375g)
- Calories: 880
- Sodium: 1750mg
- Fat: 68g
- Saturated Fat: 35g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 6g