From the moment the sizzling bacon and savory chicken aroma filled my kitchen, I knew I was onto something special. But it wasn’t until I took that first bite—a perfect forkful of creamy, cheesy, bacon-studded pasta—that I truly understood the magic of Crack Chicken Penne.
How to make Crack Chicken Penne
Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy pasta dish made with penne noodles, chicken, and a flavorful blend of seasonings. The “crack” in the name refers to the dish’s addictive taste, often derived from ingredients like ranch seasoning, cream cheese, cheese, and bacon.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1-2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions:
- Pasta Preparation: Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
- Chicken Cooking: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ranch seasoning mix. Add the chicken to the skillet with the bacon fat and cook over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Creating the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream, and then add the cream cheese, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine: Add the cooked chicken and bacon back to the skillet. Stir in the cooked penne pasta, ensuring that the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Final Touches: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes on low heat until everything is heated through.
- Serve: Garnish the Crack Chicken Penne with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Tips for the Perfect Crack Chicken Penne:
- Pasta Consistency: To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, ensure it’s cooked to al dente since it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
- Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more chicken broth. Conversely, if it’s too thin, allow it to simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different kinds of cheese for varying flavors. Mozzarella or Gouda can offer a nice twist.
- Ranch Seasoning: For those who love a stronger ranch flavor, add an extra half tablespoon of ranch seasoning.
- Reheating: If you have leftovers, they can be reheated in a pan over medium heat with a splash of milk to bring back the creamy consistency of the sauce.
What to serve with
Crack Chicken Penne is a rich and flavorful dish, thanks to its creamy sauce and hearty ingredients. To complement this decadent pasta, consider serving it with lighter side dishes or those that can add a fresh, crisp contrast.
1. Green Salad: A simple green salad dressed with a vinaigrette can offer a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta. Use greens like arugula, spinach, or mixed greens and add some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. A lemon vinaigrette or balsamic dressing can add a nice zesty touch.
2. Garlic Bread: No pasta meal is complete without a side of warm, buttery garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, and you can add herbs like parsley or basil to the butter mixture for an extra flavor boost.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Lightly seasoned and roasted vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts make a great side for this pasta dish. The roasting process brings out their natural sweetness and adds a pleasant crunch.
4. Coleslaw: For a crunchy side, consider a tangy coleslaw. The crispness of the slaw will complement the soft pasta nicely, and its vinegar or citrus-based dressing will cut through the richness of the sauce.
5. Steamed Artichokes: Steamed or boiled artichokes can be a unique and flavorful side dish. Serve with a dip like melted butter or a garlic aioli to elevate this combination even further.
6. Caprese Salad: A simple Caprese salad made with slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze, offers a light and refreshing side option that pairs wonderfully with the creamy pasta.
7. Sautéed Spinach or Kale: Quickly sautéed greens like spinach or kale with garlic and a splash of lemon juice add both color and nutrition to your meal. Their slight bitterness balances well with the richness of the crack chicken penne.
8. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn, either grilled or boiled, offers a lovely contrast and a different texture that pairs well with creamy dishes. You can brush the corn with butter and sprinkle some parmesan and herbs for added flavors.
9. Fruit Salad: For a sweet and light side, consider a fresh fruit salad. Combine fruits like melons, berries, and grapes for a refreshing side dish that cleanses the palate.
10. Bruschetta: Serve some tomato bruschetta as an appetizer. The acidity and freshness of the tomatoes on toasted bread complement the creamy pasta deliciously.
Ingredients Substitutes
Crack Chicken Penne is a tasty, rich dish, but you might need to substitute some ingredients due to dietary restrictions, availability, or personal preference.
Chicken:
Substitute: Turkey or pork can be used as a direct substitute for chicken if you’re looking for something different but still want lean meat. For a vegetarian option, consider using seitan, tofu, or a plant-based chicken substitute.
Penne Pasta:
Substitute: Any type of pasta will generally work well with this dish. Choose whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if you’re looking for a healthier option or need to meet dietary needs. Spiral pasta like fusilli or rotini are great alternatives as they hold sauce well.
Cream Cheese:
Substitute: If you’re avoiding cream cheese, try using mascarpone for a similar texture and richness. For a lower-fat option, Neufchâtel cheese works well. Vegan cream cheese alternatives are available for a dairy-free version.
Cheddar Cheese:
Substitute: You can use Colby, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend as alternatives to cheddar. For those avoiding dairy, there are several vegan cheese options that melt well into sauces.
Bacon:
Substitute: Turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon can substitute for traditional pork bacon. For a smoky flavor without meat, consider using smoked paprika or liquid smoke in the sauce.
Ranch Seasoning:
Substitute: If pre-packaged ranch seasoning isn’t available, you can mix using dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and salt and pepper. For a dairy-free version, ensure the mix doesn’t contain buttermilk powder.
Heavy Cream:
Substitute: Full-fat coconut milk can offer a creamy texture without the dairy. For those not avoiding dairy but wanting a lighter option, half-and-half or a mix of milk and a tablespoon of butter can work.
Garlic:
Substitute: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic isn’t handy, though the fresh cloves provide a more vibrant flavor. Asafoetida powder is also a good substitute, especially in Indian cooking, for those who can’t consume raw garlic.
Green Onions (for garnish):
Substitute: Chives or finely chopped red onions can replace green onions for garnishing. If you’re looking for a similar color but a milder taste, try parsley.
Diced Onions:
Substitute: Shallots can be used instead of regular onions for a slightly sweeter, milder flavor. If onions must be avoided entirely, try using fennel bulb for a different but pleasant taste.
Final Thoughts
When choosing side dishes for Crack Chicken Penne, aim for items that balance flavor and texture. Light, fresh, and subtly acidic sides can help break through the richness of the creamy sauce in the pasta, making every bite of your meal enjoyable.
More Pasta Recipes:
- Sapporo Ichiban Chow Mein Recipe
- Olive Garden’s Shrimp Carbonara Recipe
- Cold Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1-2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
- Chicken Cooking: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ranch seasoning mix. Add the chicken to the skillet with the bacon fat and cook over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Creating the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream, and then add the cream cheese, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine: Add the cooked chicken and bacon back to the skillet. Stir in the cooked penne pasta, ensuring that the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Final Touches: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes on low heat until everything is heated through.
- Serve: Garnish the Crack Chicken Penne with sliced green onions and serve hot.
