Ingredients

Scale

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish, with some handy substitutions if you’re missing an ingredient or two:

1 pound penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
2 green onions, sliced (optional for garnish)

If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can substitute with half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter version. No cheddar cheese? Mozzarella can step in for a slightly different but still delicious flavor.

Instructions

Here’s how to bring this dish to life in your kitchen:

Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the cooked chicken and stir to coat evenly.
Add the crumbled bacon, heavy cream, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce.
Garnish with sliced green onions if desired and serve hot.

From my experience, using pre-cooked bacon can save you a bit of time. And remember, the goal here isn’t perfection—just a delicious meal enjoyed together.

Author: Jenny
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Cooking
Cuisine: International

Keywords: Crack Chicken Penne, recipe, cooking, food