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My family goes crazy for this Crack Chicken Penne dish. I whipped it up one hectic evening when I needed something speedy but filling. You can't resist the mix of soft pasta covered in creamy sauce with juicy chicken chunks and crunchy bacon pieces.
A Dish You'll Want Tonight
Your entire family will gobble this up, I promise. I've served it countless times for regular dinners and gatherings, and there's never anything left. The cream cheese wraps everything in this warm hug of taste while the ranch gives it that extra something that makes everyone want more.
Must-Have Ingredients
- Bacon: It gives that smoky taste and nice crunch.
- Chicken Breast: Chop them small so they cook faster.
- Cheddar Cheese: Grate it yourself for better melting.
- Ranch Seasoning: This makes the whole dish stand out.
- Garlic and Onion: They build the flavor foundation.
- Cream Cheese & Sour Cream: These two make it super smooth.
- Chicken Broth: Gives the sauce more depth.
- Penne Pasta: Its grooves grab all that yummy sauce.
Simple Cooking Steps
- Bring It Together
- Mix your pasta, chicken and bacon in that wonderful sauce, letting everything blend nicely.
- Create Your Sauce
- Stir everything until it's smooth and coats your spoon.
- Cook the Chicken
- Use the bacon fat to make your chicken taste amazing.
- Bacon Time
- Make it super crispy and keep that tasty fat for cooking.
- Start With the Pasta
- Boil your water and cook the penne until it's done but still firm.
Storage Tips
Stick leftover pasta in the fridge and it'll taste great for 3-4 days. Want to save some for later? Split it into containers and freeze it for about 2 months. When you're ready to eat, heat it slowly with a bit of milk to bring back the creaminess.
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Mix It Up
I often use turkey instead of chicken when that's all I've got. My kids don't mind when I add some broccoli or spinach - they actually eat their veggies! These days I've been trying different cheese blends - my husband really enjoys when I throw in some pepper jack for kick.
Stress-Free Dinner Option
Weeknights can get pretty wild at our house. This dish has helped me out tons when I need food on the table fast. Everything cooks in just one pot and there's hardly any mess, so we get more time to sit down and enjoy our meal together.
Perfect Side Pairings
We usually have this with a basic green salad. I might also make some quick garlic bread to soak up the leftover sauce. My daughter always wants steamed broccoli with hers, and honestly, they go together perfectly.
Kid-Approved Dinner
Even my fussiest kid cleans their plate when I cook this. They can't resist the familiar combo of pasta and cheese. My son loves adding extra cheese on top, and my daughter now helps me make it - it's become our special cooking activity.
Round Out Your Dinner
What's great about this meal is how well it goes with easy sides. I usually throw together a quick salad using whatever greens I have. When we're extra hungry, I'll add some crusty bread or those frozen garlic knots that taste homemade after heating them up.
Make It Ahead
I like getting everything ready in the morning when I know our evening will be busy. The sauce actually tastes better after sitting a while. Just don't forget to give it a good mix and maybe add a splash of milk when warming it up to keep that creamy texture we all want.
Crowd Pleaser
This dish has gotten famous at our house and with our friends too. The mix of pasta, cream sauce and those tiny bacon bits makes everyone smile. After trying it at our last neighborhood cookout, my neighbor asked me how to make it.
Better The Next Day
I think the leftovers might taste even better sometimes. I take them for lunch and my workmates always ask what smells so good. The flavors keep developing and the cream sauce stays rich and tasty.
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The Magic Touch
This meal brings together everything I love about comfort food. The way the sauce sticks to each pasta piece, those crunchy bacon bits, and how it all comes together into something you just can't stop eating. It's become one of those meals that just feels like home to us.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why rinse cooked pasta in cold water?
- It stops the pasta from cooking further and keeps the texture perfect. It also prevents sticking before you mix it with sauce.
- → Why save bacon drippings?
- Just a bit adds a punch of smoky flavor to the dish. It ties the ingredients together while cooking the chicken.
- → Can I try different pastas?
- Absolutely! Any medium-sized pasta shape, like bow ties or rotini, works great for holding the rich sauce.
- → Why cut chicken into cubes?
- Small pieces cook fast, stay tender, and fit perfectly with the pasta for even bites of goodness.
- → Can I prepare this beforehand?
- Sure! Store leftovers in the fridge, then reheat with a splash of cream or milk to keep it nice and creamy.