Crack Chicken Penne: Creamy, Comforting, & Crazy Delicious!

Crack Chicken Penne: Creamy, Comforting, & Crazy Delicious! 🥘🧄✨

1. Introduction

If you’re craving an indulgent yet easy-to-make pasta dish, look no further than this Crack Chicken Penne. This creamy chicken pasta combines tender chicken, savory flavors, and a luscious sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect as a comforting weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this comfort food pasta recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Discover how to craft this irresistible dish step-by-step, and enjoy a hearty meal full of flavor and richness.

2. Ingredients for Crack Chicken Penne Pasta

• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits (optional but recommended)
• 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken (or use raw for cooking in the sauce)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Fresh parsley for garnish

3. How to Make the Creamy Chicken Pasta

Prepare the Pasta

Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

Make the Creamy Sauce

Add the chicken broth to the skillet, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the cream cheese until smooth, then mix in shredded cheddar cheese and cooked bacon bits if using. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the creamy chicken sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. For an extra flavor boost, explore our cheesy roasted vegetable pasta or try pairing with a crisp salad.

4. Storage Tips for Leftover Crack Chicken Penne

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to revive the creamy texture.

5. Serving Suggestions

Pair your Crack Chicken Penne Pasta with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete comfort meal. If you’re looking for an extra touch of flavor, serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of hot sauce. For quick weeknight dinners, check out our one-pan garlic Parmesan chicken.

6. FAQs about Crack Chicken Penne

Can I substitute the chicken with turkey or tofu?

Absolutely! You can use cooked turkey or plant-based tofu for a different variation that still provides the creamy texture and hearty flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for keto or low-carb diets?

To make this comfort food pasta recipe more keto-friendly, substitute the penne with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles, and opt for full-fat cheese options.

How long does it take to prepare?

From start to finish, this dish takes approximately 30 minutes, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe

• CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set: These high-quality pans make cooking the chicken and preparing the sauce effortless and mess-free.
• Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker: Perfect for making refreshing beverages to accompany your meal or cooling down leftovers.
• Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Streamlines chopping vegetables or garnish elements like parsley for an efficient cooking process.
• Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1: Ideal for crispy bacon bits or reheating leftovers to maintain that crispy texture.

8. Related Recipes You Might Love

• Healthy Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta
• Nutty Fig Honey & Pistachio Tart
• Caramelized Fig Mascarpone Tart

9. Conclusion

Crack Chicken Penne is a delightful, creamy comfort food that’s surprisingly quick to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a family or craving a hearty solo dinner, this creamy chicken pasta will satisfy every time. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll master this comfort food pasta recipe in no time. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a bowl of pure cheesy, savory goodness!

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