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Crack Chicken Penne

  • Author: Nina Johnson
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner

Description

This Crack Chicken Penne is the ultimate weeknight dinner comfort food. Packed with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch-cheddar sauce, it’s baked until golden and bubbling. Every bite is rich, cheesy, and satisfying.


Ingredients

Scale

12 oz penne pasta

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

6 oz cream cheese

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)

1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix

1/2 cup bacon crumbles

1 cup milk or heavy cream

2 tablespoons butter

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)


Instructions

  1. Cook penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add cream cheese and stir until smooth.
  3. Gradually add milk or cream, whisking constantly until a creamy sauce forms.
  4. Stir in ranch seasoning and cheddar cheese until melted and blended.
  5. Add shredded chicken and bacon crumbles, mix to combine.
  6. Fold in cooked pasta until evenly coated.
  7. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with extra cheddar cheese.
  8. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  9. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.