Crack Chicken Penne: A Creamy, Flavor-Packed One-Pot Meal
A creamy and comforting one-pot meal combining tender chicken, smoky bacon alternatives, and a rich cheese-infused sauce with penne pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or family gathering.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450kcal
Ingredients
- 6 slices smoked vegetarian bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 4 cups unsalted chicken stock
- ½ pound penne pasta
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 8 ounces Colby Jack cheese, shredded and divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley, divided
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked vegetarian bacon pieces until crispy, about 9 to 11 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve ¼ cup of the cooked bacon for garnish. Leave 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Sauté chicken and onions: Add the cubed chicken, chopped onion, salt, and black pepper to the skillet with the bacon grease. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the chicken is lightly browned and the onions are tender.
- Add seasoning and stock: Stir in the ranch seasoning mix and pour in the chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the penne: Add the penne pasta to the boiling stock mixture. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Make it creamy: Remove the lid and stir in the cream cheese and cream of chicken soup. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add cheese and bacon: Incorporate 1½ cups of the shredded Colby Jack cheese, the cooked bacon (except the reserved garnish), and 1 tablespoon of the chopped parsley. Continue to cook and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is well combined.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Top with the reserved crispy bacon and remaining parsley before serving.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use fresh garlic instead of ranch seasoning. Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a balanced meal. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.