Crack Chicken Penne

40 mins
Serves 6
https://princesspinkygirl.com/crack-chicken-penne/

Directions

  1. 1In a large 12-inch skillet, on medium heat, add the diced bacon and cook for 9-11 minutes or until the fat has been rendered and the bacon pieces are crispy.
  2. 2In a large 12-inch skillet, on medium heat, add the diced bacon and cook for 9-11 minutes or until the fat has been rendered and the bacon pieces are crispy.
  3. 3In a large 12-inch skillet, on medium heat, add the diced bacon and cook for 9-11 minutes or until the fat has been rendered and the bacon pieces are crispy.
  4. 4Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
  5. 5Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
  6. 6Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
  7. 7Reserve ¼ cup of the cooked bacon for garnish.
  8. 8Reserve ¼ cup of the cooked bacon for garnish.
  9. 9Reserve ¼ cup of the cooked bacon for garnish.
  10. 10Set aside all the bacon.
  11. 11Set aside all the bacon.
  12. 12Set aside all the bacon.
  13. 13Drain off all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease from the skillet.
  14. 14Drain off all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease from the skillet.
  15. 15Drain off all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease from the skillet.
  16. 16On medium-high heat, add the cubed boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced yellow onion, salt, and black pepper to the skillet.
  17. 17On medium-high heat, add the cubed boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced yellow onion, salt, and black pepper to the skillet.
  18. 18On medium-high heat, add the cubed boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced yellow onion, salt, and black pepper to the skillet.
  19. 19Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes or until lightly browned; the chicken will continue to cook with the pasta.
  20. 20Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes or until lightly browned; the chicken will continue to cook with the pasta.
  21. 21Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes or until lightly browned; the chicken will continue to cook with the pasta.
  22. 22Once the chicken has been lightly browned and the onions are tender, add the ranch seasoning and chicken stock.
  23. 23Once the chicken has been lightly browned and the onions are tender, add the ranch seasoning and chicken stock.
  24. 24Once the chicken has been lightly browned and the onions are tender, add the ranch seasoning and chicken stock.
  25. 25Bring the chicken stock to a boil, then add the penne pasta.
  26. 26Bring the chicken stock to a boil, then add the penne pasta.
  27. 27Bring the chicken stock to a boil, then add the penne pasta.
  28. 28Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with the lid, and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
  29. 29Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with the lid, and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
  30. 30Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with the lid, and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
  31. 31Remove the lid from the skillet and stir in the cream cheese and cream of chicken soup until fully combined and no lumps remain.
  32. 32Remove the lid from the skillet and stir in the cream cheese and cream of chicken soup until fully combined and no lumps remain.
  33. 33Remove the lid from the skillet and stir in the cream cheese and cream of chicken soup until fully combined and no lumps remain.
  34. 34Add 1½ cups of the shredded Colby jack cheese, the cooked bacon pieces (except for the reserved ¼ cup), and 1 tablespoon of the chopped fresh parsley.
  35. 35Add 1½ cups of the shredded Colby jack cheese, the cooked bacon pieces (except for the reserved ¼ cup), and 1 tablespoon of the chopped fresh parsley.
  36. 36Add 1½ cups of the shredded Colby jack cheese, the cooked bacon pieces (except for the reserved ¼ cup), and 1 tablespoon of the chopped fresh parsley.
  37. 37Stir to combine.
  38. 38Stir to combine.
  39. 39Stir to combine.
  40. 40Top the crack chicken penne with the remaining ½ cup shredded Colby jack cheese (do not stir in).
  41. 41Top the crack chicken penne with the remaining ½ cup shredded Colby jack cheese (do not stir in).
  42. 42Top the crack chicken penne with the remaining ½ cup shredded Colby jack cheese (do not stir in).
  43. 43Cover the skillet again with the lid for 3-4 minutes or just until the cheese has melted on top.
  44. 44Cover the skillet again with the lid for 3-4 minutes or just until the cheese has melted on top.
  45. 45Cover the skillet again with the lid for 3-4 minutes or just until the cheese has melted on top.
  46. 46Remove the lid and garnish the melted cheese with the reserved ¼ cup of bacon and the remaining 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley.
  47. 47Remove the lid and garnish the melted cheese with the reserved ¼ cup of bacon and the remaining 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley.
  48. 48Remove the lid and garnish the melted cheese with the reserved ¼ cup of bacon and the remaining 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley.

Ingredients

  • 6 slices smoked bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces, divided, reserving ¼ cup of the cooked bacon for the final garnish with the remainder to be added to the main dish
  • 6 slices smoked bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces, divided, reserving ¼ cup of the cooked bacon for the final garnish with the remainder to be added to the main dish
  • 6 slices smoked bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces, divided, reserving ¼ cup of the cooked bacon for the final garnish with the remainder to be added to the main dish
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, approximately 1 pound, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, approximately 1 pound, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, approximately 1 pound, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 0.5 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 0.5 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 0.5 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 ounce packet Ranch seasoning
  • 1 ounce packet Ranch seasoning
  • 1 ounce packet Ranch seasoning
  • 4 cups unsalted chicken stock
  • 4 cups unsalted chicken stock
  • 4 cups unsalted chicken stock
  • 0.5 pound penne pasta
  • 0.5 pound penne pasta
  • 0.5 pound penne pasta
  • 6 ounces cream cheese
  • 6 ounces cream cheese
  • 6 ounces cream cheese
  • 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
  • 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
  • 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
  • 8 ounce block of Colby jack cheese, shredded, divided into 1½ cups and ½ cup
  • 8 ounce block of Colby jack cheese, shredded, divided into 1½ cups and ½ cup
  • 8 ounce block of Colby jack cheese, shredded, divided into 1½ cups and ½ cup
  • 2 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley, divided in half
  • 2 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley, divided in half
  • 2 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley, divided in half

Equipment

large 12-inch skilletpaper towel-lined plate

Tips

  • If using a large container of ranch seasoning, use about 2 tablespoons in place of the 1-ounce packet.
  • If using previously frozen chicken, pat it dry with a paper towel before adding it to the skillet to prevent excess moisture.
  • Do not walk away during the pasta cook; check at the 15-minute mark to ensure the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  • Serve the dish while it's hot as the sauce thickens as it cools.
  • For easier dicing of bacon, place the package in the freezer for about an hour to firm it up.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese for a thicker and creamier sauce.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded to avoid a starch coating that prevents smooth melting.
Crack Chicken Penne | Clip Recipe