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crack chicken penne

crack chicken penne
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Crack chicken penne is a comforting and creamy pasta dish combining tender chicken, a rich cheese sauce, smoky bacon, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. This family-friendly recipe is quick to prepare, versatile, and ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals, delivering indulgent homemade flavors everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 to 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (or bacon bits)

Pasta

  • 12 ounces penne pasta

Dairy

  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Garlic powder, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a little oil, then sauté the chicken until cooked through and lightly golden on the edges, ensuring tenderness.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta well, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water for later use if needed.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet used for chicken, melt the cream cheese over low heat, stirring frequently. Gradually whisk in sour cream or heavy cream until the sauce is smooth and silky. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted and combined.
  4. Combine and Flavor: Add the cooked chicken and drained penne pasta to the sauce. Gently mix to coat everything evenly. Stir in crispy bacon bits and chopped green onions. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
  5. Final Touches: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it slightly. Garnish with extra green onions or cheddar cheese before serving warm and inviting.

Notes

  • Use quality cream cheese for a smoother, richer sauce.
  • Do not overcook the penne to keep a perfect bite and avoid mushiness.
  • Cook chicken in batches if necessary to allow a nice golden sear.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can brighten the dish wonderfully.
  • Prepare sauce and chicken in advance for quicker weeknight dinners.

Nutrition

Keywords: crack chicken penne, creamy chicken pasta, cheesy chicken pasta, comfort food, family dinner, easy pasta recipe

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