Creamy Dreamy Crack Chicken Penne Dinner
This Creamy Dreamy Crack Chicken Penne Dinner is a rich, comforting pasta dish that combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and penne pasta into one irresistible meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, it is quick, versatile, and loved by both adults and children alike.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 6 strips turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: Season chicken cubes with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove from skillet.
- Cook the turkey bacon: In the same skillet, cook turkey bacon until crispy. Remove and chop into small pieces.
- Make the sauce: Pour chicken broth into the skillet and simmer for 1–2 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add cream cheese, stirring until melted. Mix in ranch seasoning until smooth.
- Combine ingredients: Return cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with sauce. Fold in cooked penne pasta and let simmer 2–3 minutes.
- Add cheese and bacon: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Top with chopped turkey bacon and garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
You can add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Substitute shredded chicken thighs or leftover rotisserie chicken if preferred.
Adjust seasoning to taste and add red pepper flakes for a spicy variation.