Crack Chicken Penne

Crack Chicken Penne

When you’re looking for a hearty meal that checks all the boxes for comfort food, Crack Chicken Penne is a fantastic choice. This creamy pasta dish combines tender penne pasta with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich cheese sauce. It’s delicious, filling, and incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a special family dinner.

What’s even better? This dish is perfect for everyone, from kids to adults. The flavors blend beautifully, giving each bite a creamy, savory taste that leaves you wanting more. Plus, it’s easy to customize, so you can add your favorite veggies or tweak the flavors to suit your tastes. Let’s dive into why you should make this dish and how simple it is to prepare.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to make Crack Chicken Penne.

• Quick to Prepare: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for nights when you need to whip up something fast.

• One-Pot Wonder: Using just one skillet makes clean-up a breeze. You won’t have a mountain of dishes to tackle after dinner.

• Flavorful and Satisfying: The rich combination of cream cheese and cheddar sauce, paired with bacon and chicken, creates a dish that satisfies even the hungriest appetites.

• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves pasta, and the creamy texture accompanied by crispy bacon makes it a hit with kids and adults alike.

• Easy to Customize: Whether you want to add veggies or change the meat, this recipe is flexible. You can tailor it to your family’s preferences easily.

Now that you know why you should make Crack Chicken Penne, let’s get into how you can make this delightful dish in your kitchen.

How to Make Crack Chicken Penne

Cooking Crack Chicken Penne is straightforward. Follow these simple steps to enjoy a delicious meal in no time.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• Penne pasta
• Chicken breast
• Bacon
• Cream cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Chicken broth
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Green onions (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and chop.
3. In the same skillet, add diced chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked.
4. Lower the heat and add cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and chicken broth. Stir until smooth and creamy.
5. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and mix well, coating the pasta with the creamy sauce.
6. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Stir in the chopped bacon.
8. Serve warm and garnish with chopped green onions.

How to Serve Crack Chicken Penne

Serving Crack Chicken Penne is a simple yet delightful process. Here are some tips to elevate your serving experience:

• Plate Presentation: Scoop the creamy penne onto a generous plate for a good visual appeal. The creamy sauce and bits of bacon will look so inviting!

• Garnish: Always remember to sprinkle some fresh green onions on top before serving. They add a wonderful fresh flavor and a pop of color.

• Accompaniments: Consider serving this dish with a light salad or some garlic bread on the side. This adds freshness and helps balance the richness of the pasta.

• Drink Pairings: A light white wine or sparkling water pairs nicely with this rich dish, enhancing your dining experience.

How to Store Crack Chicken Penne

If you happen to have leftovers (which isn’t likely!), storing Crack Chicken Penne is easy:

• Refrigerate: Allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: When ready to eat again, reheat on the stovetop over low heat. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up.

• Freezing: While not ideal, you can freeze Crack Chicken Penne. Place it in a freezer-safe container and keep it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Crack Chicken Penne

To ensure your Crack Chicken Penne turns out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Cook the Bacon First: Cooking the bacon in the same pan you’ll use for the chicken not only saves on dishes but also infuses flavor into your chicken.

• Don’t Rush the Chicken: Make sure to cook the chicken until it’s fully cooked to avoid any risk of undercooked meat.

• Add Extras: Feel free to toss in some spinach, peas, or even bell peppers for an added nutritional boost. Just sauté them briefly before adding the cream cheese.

• Taste As You Go: Always taste the sauce before adding the seasoning. This way, you can adjust the flavors according to your preference.

Variation

Crack Chicken Penne is versatile, and there are plenty of easy variations to try:

• Spicy Version: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the skillet while cooking for an extra kick.

• Herb Infusion: Sprinkle in some fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an added layer of flavor.

• Different Cheeses: Try substituting cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Leftover cooked chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Simply chop it up and add it to the skillet to warm through when you prepare the sauce.

2. Is there a vegetarian option for Crack Chicken Penne?

Absolutely! You can omit the chicken and bacon and replace them with veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers, along with plant-based cream cheese and cheese substitutes.

3. Can I substitute penne pasta for another type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer. Rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti would work in this creamy dish.

4. How can I make this dish healthier?

To make Crack Chicken Penne healthier, consider using whole wheat pasta, reduced-fat cream cheese, and leaner cuts of chicken. Adding vegetables will also boost its nutritional value.

5. How long does it take to prepare this dish?

Crack Chicken Penne takes about 30 minutes to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

By following these simple steps and utilizing the tips provided, you’re set to make an amazing Crack Chicken Penne that will surely please everyone around your dining table. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

Crack Chicken Penne

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• Author: amanda-hart
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A creamy pasta dish combining tender penne pasta with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich cheese sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 4 slices bacon
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Green onions, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and chop.
3. In the same skillet, add diced chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked.
4. Lower the heat and add cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and chicken broth. Stir until smooth and creamy.
5. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and mix well, coating the pasta with the creamy sauce.
6. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Stir in the chopped bacon.
8. Serve warm and garnish with chopped green onions.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding veggies like spinach or bell peppers. Leftover chicken can be used for convenience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Skillet Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: pasta, chicken, creamy, quick meal, comfort food