Description
Crack Chicken Penne is a rich and creamy pasta dish combining tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and a flavorful ranch cheese sauce. This comforting recipe features penne pasta tossed in a cheesy blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and ranch seasoning, baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh parsley for a deliciously indulgent meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Chicken and Bacon
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup bacon crumbles
Sauce
- 6 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
- Make Cream Cheese Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the cream cheese and stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and smooths out to form a creamy base.
- Create Cheese Sauce: Gradually pour in the milk or heavy cream while whisking constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce without lumps.
- Add Seasoning and Cheese: Stir in the ranch seasoning mix and the shredded cheddar cheese, continuing to stir until the cheese melts fully into the sauce, creating a rich and cheesy mixture.
- Combine Chicken and Bacon: Add the cooked shredded chicken and bacon crumbles to the sauce, stirring well to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Toss Pasta: Fold the cooked penne pasta into the sauce mixture, gently tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy chicken and cheese sauce.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the coated pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese evenly on top to form a delicious cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra crisp bacon, cook bacon separately until very crisp and sprinkle just before serving instead of mixing in.
- You can substitute penne pasta with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli.
- Use heavy cream for a richer sauce or milk for a lighter version.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- Adding a pinch of black pepper or garlic powder can enhance flavor if desired.
