Crack Chicken Penne
A creamy, indulgent pasta dish that combines tender penne with succulent chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, cheesy ranch-flavored sauce. This addictively delicious comfort food comes together in just 20 minutes, making it the perfect quick fix for busy weeknights or satisfying dinner cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside
- Soften the onion and garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the chicken broth and heavy cream: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Add the cheese and thyme: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the dried thyme and paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the chicken and pasta: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, and stir to combine with the cheese sauce. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, and toss to combine with the chicken and cheese sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water.
- Serve: Serve the Crack Chicken Penne hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
Tips and Variations:
- Use different types of cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta, to create a unique flavor profile.
- Add some spice: Add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce for an extra kick of heat.
- Try different herbs: Use different herbs, such as basil or oregano, to create a unique flavor profile.
- Make it a one-pot dish: Cook the chicken and pasta in the same pot, and then add the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
- Buffalo Chicken Penne: Add some buffalo sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy and tangy flavor.
- Mushroom Chicken Penne: Add some sautéed mushrooms to the cheese sauce for added flavor and texture.
- Spinach Chicken Penne: Add some wilted spinach to the cheese sauce for a healthy and flavorful twist.