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Crack Chicken Penne

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch flavor, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Main Dish
  • 6 slices smoked bacon, diced (¼ cup reserved for garnish)
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • ½ cup chopped yellow onion
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 ounce packet of dry Ranch seasoning mix
  • 4 cups unsalted or low-sodium chicken stock
  • ½ pound penne pasta
  • 6 ounces cream cheese Take out beforehand to soften.
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces)
  • 8 ounces Colby Jack cheese, shredded (1½ cups + ½ cup)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley, divided

Method
 

Cooking
  1. In a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon for 9–11 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving ¼ cup for garnish.
  2. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of bacon grease from the skillet. Add the cubed chicken, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned.
  3. Stir in the Ranch seasoning mix and chicken stock, bringing it to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
  4. Remove the lid and stir in the cream cheese and cream of chicken soup until smooth and combined.
  5. Add 1½ cups of shredded Colby Jack cheese, the cooked bacon (minus the reserved amount), and 1 tablespoon of parsley. Stir well to combine.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the top. Cover the skillet for 3–4 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
  7. Garnish with the reserved bacon and remaining parsley. Serve hot to enjoy the indulgence!

Notes

For storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat with a splash of stock to prevent drying out. You can also prep ingredients ahead of time.