Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Ultimate
This Creamy Crack Chicken Penne is a delectable pasta dish featuring juicy chicken and crispy bacon coated in a rich and cheesy sauce. It's an easy-to-make and irresistible weeknight meal that will quickly become a family favorite.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup chopped green onions, for garnish
- Red pepper flakes to taste optional
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Set aside.
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In the same skillet you used for the chicken, reduce the heat to medium.
- Add the softened cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and smooth.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Add the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and luscious. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Add the cooked chicken and crumbled bacon to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken; cook in batches if necessary. Adjust the sauce consistency with chicken broth or pasta water. Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as Colby Jack or Pepper Jack. Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for added vegetables. Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, steamed broccoli, or green beans. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed.