Crack Chicken Penne: The Creamy Dream Pasta You Need Tonight
A rich, creamy pasta dish featuring tender shredded chicken, velvety cheese sauce, and savory ranch seasoning. Perfectly cooked penne is tossed in a luscious blend of cream cheese, heavy cream, and crispy chickpea bacon for a protein-packed, comfort food classic that’s easy, quick, and irresistibly addictive.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Poultry
Ingredients
8 oz penne pasta
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp ranch seasoning
1/2 cup crispy chickpea bacon (or baked chickpeas for a non-meat alternative)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 cups steamed broccoli (optional)
Instructions
Cook penne pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
In a skillet, heat butter and olive oil. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add diced chicken. Cook until golden and cooked through.
Shred chicken with two forks and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir until smooth and lump-free.
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and ranch seasoning. Cook until sauce thickens.
Toss cooked pasta with the chicken and sauce, then fold in crispy chickpea bacon and steamed broccoli (if using).
Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and use 2 cups cooked chickpeas instead.
Chickpea bacon can be made by tossing drained chickpeas in olive oil and paprika, then baking at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Find it online: https://cookingwithramsay.com/crack-chicken-penne/