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Crack Chicken Penne

Crack Chicken Penne
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Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and penne pasta tossed in a luscious cream cheese and cheddar sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it offers comforting flavors with a smoky crunch and the flexibility to adapt to your preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 cups bite-sized chicken breasts, seasoned with salt and pepper
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped

Pasta

  • 12 ounces penne pasta

Dairy

  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Seasonings & Fresh

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the penne. Cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
  2. Prepare the Chicken and Bacon: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add bite-sized chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper, cooking until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken, then cook chopped bacon until crispy, draining excess fat if necessary.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Stir in sour cream, garlic powder, and shredded cheddar cheese, allowing the cheese to melt fully into a creamy sauce.
  4. Combine All Ingredients: Add the chicken, bacon, and cooked penne back into the skillet, gently stirring to coat everything in the luscious sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it up.
  5. Finish with Fresh Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top and stir gently, then remove from heat and serve hot for a hearty, satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Avoid overcooking the chicken by cutting it into evenly sized pieces for quick, uniform cooking.
  • Use sharp cheddar for best flavor; mixing in mozzarella can add extra gooey meltiness.
  • Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed for perfect consistency.
  • Don’t skip the crispy bacon—it adds essential smoky crunch and flavor balance.
  • The dish reheats well; consider making a double batch for easy future meals.

Nutrition

Keywords: crack chicken penne, creamy chicken pasta, cheesy chicken pasta, quick dinner, bacon pasta, comfort food

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