I’ve got to tell you about my go-to comfort food: Crack Chicken Penne. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in a warm blanket after a long day, right? Picture tender chicken, crispy bacon, and rich, creamy cheese all mingling together in one pot. Honestly, it feels like a hug in food form. And don’t even get me started on the ranch seasoning; it’s like magic. So, are you curious about how to whip this up? Let’s explore.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s be honest—Crack Chicken Penne is like the hug you never knew you needed after a long day. I mean, who wouldn’t love a cozy dish that combines chicken, bacon, and cheesy goodness?
This is truly the best crack chicken penne recipe out there, and trust me, I’ve tried a lot. The combination of savory ranch seasoning and melt-in-your-mouth cream cheese makes every bite divine.
Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means less time in the kitchen for me and more time lounging on the couch.
And let’s not forget the comfort factor; it’s the ultimate cozy meal that warms you right up. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without it—seriously.
Equipment List
Before diving into this delightful Crack Chicken Penne recipe, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got the right gear on hand.
First off, you’ll need a large skillet—trust me, it’s essential for that crispy bacon. A pot for boiling your penne is also key; I can’t tell you how many times I’ve accidentally used the wrong one.
You’ll want a cutting board for that chicken, plus a sharp knife. A wooden spoon will help you stir everything together smoothly.
And don’t forget measuring cups for that broth and cheese. With these tools at your side, you’ll be cooking like a pro in no time. Additionally, having a cutting board set can enhance your kitchen efficiency and ensure you have the right size for every task.
Our Ingredients
Alright, let’s talk about the delicious ingredients you’ll need to whip up this mouthwatering Crack Chicken Penne. Trust me, once you gather everything, you’ll feel like a culinary wizard ready to tackle this dish.
It’s simple and so tasty that you might find yourself daydreaming about it even after just one bite. You’ll be amazed at how these ingredients come together to create something so creamy and delightful. So, without further ado, here’s what you’ll need for this recipe.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 4 strips thick-cut bacon
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Parsley (for garnish)
Now, here’s a little secret: choosing the right ingredients can make all the difference. For example, I always go for low sodium chicken broth because it gives you more control over the saltiness as you cook.
And let’s not forget about that cream cheese. Softening it ahead of time not only prevents any awkward clumping but also makes it so much easier to melt into that delightful creamy sauce you’ll be creating.
Oh, and if you’re a fan of cheese (who isn’t?), don’t shy away from experimenting with different kinds of cheese! A nice pepper jack could kick things up a notch for those spicy food lovers out there.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Crack Chicken Penne is a fun adventure that ultimately leads you to a creamy, savory dish that will leave everyone at the table craving more. So roll up your sleeves and grab those ingredients; let’s plunge into the cooking process!
1. Cook the Bacon: Start by cooking 4 strips of thick-cut bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Once it’s crispy, remove the bacon from the pan and let it drain on some paper towels. Crumble it up once it cools a bit because let’s face it, who doesn’t love those little bits of bacon goodness?
2. Brown the Chicken: In the same pan, with that lovely bacon fat still sizzling (hello flavor), toss in 1 lb of boneless skinless chicken breasts that you’ve cubed.
Let those chicken pieces brown for about 2-3 minutes. This is where the magic begins to happen, and your kitchen will start to smell amazing.
3. Add the Seasoning: Sprinkle a packet of ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz) evenly over the chicken.
Stir everything around so the chicken gets well-coated in that zesty goodness. Seriously, who doesn’t love ranch?
4. Combine Pasta and Broth: Now it’s time for some penne pasta action. Add in 8 oz of penne pasta and pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth.
Bring this mix to a glorious boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the pasta is tender. Just check on it occasionally – no one likes mushy pasta.
5. Cream it Up: Once the pasta is cooked to perfection, stir in 4 oz of softened cream cheese until it melts into that creamy sauce we all dream about.
This step is essential—don’t rush it, and just keep stirring until it’s nice and smooth.
6. Cheese, Please: Next, add in the crumbled bacon, along with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Stir everything together until those cheeses melt and blend beautifully into the dish. Trust me, watching that melty cheese come to life is like watching a delicious fairy tale unfold.
7. Garnish & Serve**: Finally, sprinkle some fresh parsley** over the top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Serve it up warm, and enjoy the happy chatter from the table as everyone engages.
And there you have it—a creamy, cheesy Crack Chicken Penne that’s sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinners. Additionally, using premium kitchen appliances can elevate your cooking experience and improve the overall quality of your meals.
Now, wasn’t that easy? Before you know it, you’ll be a pro at making this dish, and the only challenge left will be figuring out who gets the last scoop!
Tips & Variations
After whipping up that creamy, dreamy Crack Chicken Penne, you might find yourself thinking about how to mix things up next time.
One fun twist? Swap in some veggies. I usually toss in spinach or broccoli; they sneak in a bit of healthiness without overshadowing that comforting flavor.
Want to kick up the heat? Add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick—I often regret not doing this while devouring my plate.
If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different cheeses. Gouda has a lovely smoky flavor that I adore.
And don’t forget that leftover chicken can be your best friend for an easy meal prep the next day.
The possibilities are endless, right?
How to Serve?
When I serve Crack Chicken Penne, I like to think of it as comfort food that wraps you in a warm hug. I usually fill big bowls with that creamy goodness and sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a touch of color.
It looks fancy—even if it’s just guilt-free indulgence on a Wednesday night. Don’t be shy with the cheese; I always add an extra handful of cheddar for a melty masterpiece.
And trust me, a side of garlic bread is a must—dipping it into the leftover sauce? Pure bliss. If I’m feeling fancy, I might even pair it with a light salad.
But who am I kidding? It’s mainly about the pasta and that cozy feeling.
Storage & Reheating Guide
Storing leftovers is always a bit of a game, isn’t it? I mean, who doesn’t want to eat that scrumptious Crack Chicken Penne again the next day?
To keep it fresh, I usually pop it in an airtight container, ensuring it’s cooled down first. In the fridge, it’ll last for about 3-4 days, but let’s be real, it’s way too good to sit around that long.
When I’m ready to enjoy it again, I just grab a bowl, toss it in the microwave, and heat it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
You could also reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth, which helps revive that creamy texture. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later. Additionally, using premium seafood cooking equipment can enhance your overall cooking experience, ensuring every dish is prepared to perfection.
Final Thoughts
Although you might find countless pasta recipes out there, let me tell you, Crack Chicken Penne is something special.
This dish isn’t just dinner; it feels like a warm hug on chilly evenings. With the crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and zesty ranch seasoning, every bite is pure comfort. Honestly, I could eat it every week and never get tired of it. It’s that good.
Plus, it’s easy enough for a weekday meal, yet impressive enough for guests. What’s better than a one-pot wonder that makes cleanup a breeze?
