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Crack Chicken Penne

Crack Chicken Penne
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Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting pasta dish that combines tender chicken, smoky bacon, and a luscious cheese sauce tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. Ideal for quick family dinners or easy weeknight meals, this flavorful recipe is simple to prepare and customizable to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
  • 6 slices bacon, diced

Pasta

  • 12 oz penne pasta

Dairy

  • 4 oz cream cheese (full-fat recommended)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Liquids and Broth

  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (warm)

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Garnishes (Optional)

  • Freshly chopped parsley or green onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken and Bacon: Cook diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, then remove and set aside. In the same skillet with the rendered bacon fat, cook chicken pieces seasoned with garlic powder and onion powder until golden and fully cooked.
  2. Cook the Penne Pasta: Boil penne pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce: Lower the heat on the skillet with the cooked chicken. Add cream cheese, shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, and a splash of warm chicken broth. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt together into a smooth, creamy sauce.
  4. Combine All Ingredients: Return the crispy bacon to the skillet, add the cooked penne pasta, and toss everything thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the dish for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Cook bacon first to render flavorful fat for cooking the chicken.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; drain when slightly firm to finish cooking in the sauce.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest and creamiest sauce.
  • Stir frequently while melting cheese to avoid sticking or burning.
  • Add warm chicken broth slowly to maintain a smooth sauce consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: crack chicken penne, creamy chicken pasta, cheesy chicken recipe, quick dinner, easy family meal

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/crack-chicken-penne/