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Crack Chicken Pasta

A creamy, one-pan pasta dish that combines tender chicken, ranch flavors, and crispy bacon, all cooked together for a comforting family meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Broth
  • 8 oz Penne Pasta can swap for any short pasta
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth homemade or store-bought
Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb Chicken Breast can use dark meat
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese can substitute Neufchâtel or Greek yogurt
  • 1 pkg Ranch Seasoning store-bought or homemade
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder fresh minced garlic can be used
Toppings
  • 6 oz Bacon can use turkey bacon
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese can blend in white cheddar
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley can use dried if fresh is unavailable

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
Adding Chicken
  1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and stir them in with the pasta. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink.
Making the Creamy Base
  1. Add the cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is combined and creamy.
Crispy Bacon
  1. While everything simmers, cook the bacon in a separate skillet until crispy. Crumble it over the pasta.
Finishing Touches
  1. Stir in the cheddar cheese until completely melted and combined.
  2. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in the fridge for about 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently, adding chicken broth if needed. To enhance flavor, toast the garlic just before adding it.