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Creamy Crack Chicken Penne with bacon and parsley in a skillet

Crack Chicken Penne


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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 40 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy, one-skillet dinner that’s loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch-seasoned comfort. A family-favorite weeknight meal you’ll crave again and again!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 slices of smoked bacon, diced (¼ cup reserved for garnish)

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into 1-inch cubes

  • ½ cup chopped yellow onion

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1-ounce packet of dry Ranch seasoning mix

  • 4 cups unsalted or low-sodium chicken stock

  • ½ pound penne pasta

  • 6 ounces cream cheese

  • 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup

  • 8-ounce block Colby Jack cheese, shredded (1½ cups + ½ cup)

  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley, divided


Instructions

  1. In a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon for 9–11 minutes until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve ¼ cup for garnish.

  2. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of bacon grease. Add cubed chicken, onion, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes until lightly browned.

  3. Stir in Ranch seasoning and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, add penne, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes or until pasta is tender.

  4. Remove lid and stir in cream cheese and cream of chicken soup until smooth.

  5. Add 1½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, cooked bacon (minus reserved), and 1 tablespoon parsley. Stir well.

  6. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheese over the top. Cover for 3–4 minutes until melted.

  7. Garnish with reserved bacon and remaining parsley before serving.

Notes

For smoother blending, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature.
This dish thickens as it cools—add a splash of chicken stock when reheating if needed.
Feel free to swap penne with rotini, shells, or ziti for variety.

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 710 Kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 890 mg
  • Fat: 39 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 42 g
  • Cholesterol: 145 mg